Coleman gets first England squad call for France Test
Mary Coleman, a 28-year-old prop for Wigan Warriors, has received her maiden England selection ahead of a Test match against France later this month. The recognition comes four years after Coleman made the transition from rugby union, where she previously competed for Preston Grasshoppers and represented Cambridge University in three Varsity matches. Her recent domestic form has been impressive, helping Wigan secure the Women's Challenge Cup with a commanding victory in May.
The France fixture on 25 July will serve as crucial preparation for England's Women's World Cup campaign, which begins in October across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Head coach Stuart Barrow has opted against selecting players currently based in Australia for the NRLW season, instead focusing his squad selection on building momentum towards the tournament. England will play all their World Cup matches in Australia, beginning with an opening fixture against Wales in Perth in mid-October.
In short
- Mary Coleman earns her first England rugby league call-up for a mid-season Test against France on 25 July
- The Wigan Warriors prop switched from rugby union four years ago and recently won the Women's Challenge Cup
- Match serves as World Cup warm-up; England's tournament campaign begins in October across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea
Explained simply
Rugby league and rugby union are different forms of rugby, with separate rules and competitions. Mary Coleman began in union before moving to league four years ago; she now plays as a prop for Wigan Warriors, a club in the women’s Super League.
England’s women’s team is preparing for the Rugby League World Cup, a tournament held every four years. The France Test is an international match that gives the team a chance to prepare before the competition, where England will face Wales and other national sides.