12 Jan 2022

Giants Women’s Hoyle becomes club’s first England International

Huddersfield Giants Women's player Shona Hoyle has been selected for the England Women's National Performance Squad by England Women Head Coach, Craig Richards. The prop forward previously featured in England's test in France this winter and becomes the first serving Huddersfield Giants player to be selected for the England Women's Squad.

England Women Head Coach Craig Richards said: “I’m really pleased to have named our first National Performance Squad in a World Cup year.

“The majority of the players included have been in or around the programme for some time now and I feel we have some real quality amongst the squad.

“It’s great to have been able to add Keara Bennett to the squad after she consistently performed for Leeds throughout 2021. We had several international debutants last season and there are certainly going to be opportunities for players to break into the side before the World Cup.

“We’ve been building towards this World Cup for a number of years now, but we know how crucial our preparations over the next nine months are going to be.”

England Women will begin their Rugby League World Cup campaign against Brazil at Headingley Stadium on Tuesday 1 November. A clash with Canada at Wigan’s DW Stadium on Saturday 5 November is followed by a final group stage fixture back in Leeds against Papua New Guinea on Wednesday 9 November.

The RFL are looking to finalise a mid-season international programme which will see England Women take to the field before this year’s Rugby League World Cup

England Women National Performance Squad:

Dannielle Anderson (Leeds Rhinos)

Savannah Andrade (York City Knights)

Caitlin Beevers (Leeds Rhinos)

Keara Bennett (Leeds Rhinos)

Leah Burke (St Helens)

Chantelle Crowl (St Helens)

Jodie Cunningham (St Helens)

Hollie Dodd (York City Knights)

Grace Field (York City Knights)

Kelsey Gentles (York City Knights)

Fran Goldthorp (Leeds Rhinos)