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.