The England Knights squad is a newly formed development squad for the England Women’s programme that focuses on identifying the next generation of Rugby league players for the England squad.
Chief officer of on-field Rugby league, Dave Rotherham said “We are looking for players who have the potential to excel in the future,
“I would describe our women’s talent pathway as emerging and looking at what sits beneath it we have the women’s Super league and the girls age group activity we run for the under 19’s and 16’s,
“You need to give players an opportunity so they understand what it means to play at the next level,
“This will help the next generation.”
The England women’s Rugby league side have been in every World Cup since 2008, but have failed to get to the final, securing two third place finishes across three tournaments.
England Rugby will be hoping that the string up of the Knights squad will lead to greater success in the future.
‘They are making sacrifices’
England front-row Shona Hoyle, who will be at the World Cup, says that pulling on the England jersey for the Knights squad will only motivate the players further.
“They will want to get in an England jersey for the next World Cup,
“Everyone is fighting for a position across the whole England set-up
“The talent is getting better and better.”
‘It’s a massive achievement’
England player, Erin Stott, as commented on the importance of setting up a women’s Knights squad:
“It gives us the chance to develop our skills and go forward in the game,
“Games like this give us a great chance to improve and test ourselves.”
The England Knights squad had a warm-up game against World Cup side Cook Islands where the coach commented on his sides preparation.
