Ffion Lewis named for Wales’ World Cup opener against England
Ffion Lewis has been named at stand-off in Wales’ 21-player squad for the women’s Rugby League World Cup opener against England in Perth on Saturday. Wales Rugby League says an appearance would make Lewis the first woman to play at a World Cup in both rugby codes. She is selected alongside Canterbury Bulldogs captain Tayla Preston at scrum-half.
Wales squad for England
- 1
- Leanne Burnell
- 2
- Dani McGifford
- 3
- Hannah Bluck*
- 4
- Zoe Heeley
- 5
- Frances Layton
- 6
- Ffion Lewis
- 7
- Tayla Preston*
- 8
- Agnes Wood
- 9
- Jasmine Gibbons
- 10
- Emily Hughes
- 11
- Georgia Cussons
- 12
- Paige Travis*
- 13
- Bethan Dainton (captain)
- 14
- Carys Marsh
- 15
- Kathryn Salter
- 16
- Katie Carr
- 17
- Erin Williams*
- 18
- Jade Mullen
- 19
- Gracie Hobbs
- 20
- Amberley Ruck
- 21
- Hollie Brussels*
An early start for supporters in Wales
The match is at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday 17 October. Kick-off is 7.35am BST, or 2.35pm in Perth. England’s Rugby Football League confirms the date, venue and UK start time. Tom Brindle’s selection gives supporters the names to follow ahead of the opening game. The announcement is a 21-player squad, rather than a final list of 17 players taking the field.
Five players listed as uncapped
Wales Rugby League marks Hannah Bluck, Tayla Preston, Paige Travis, Erin Williams and Hollie Brussels as uncapped. Bluck is named at centre. The governing body says she would become an international in a fourth sport when she plays. Travis is selected in the second row, while Cardiff Demons’ Williams is among the interchanges. Brussels, a Warrington Wolves winger, is also in the extended squad. Bethan Dainton, Wigan Warriors’ loose forward, captains the side. The full squad is below. An asterisk marks the five uncapped players identified by Wales Rugby League.