​Dual-code star Ffion Lewis is poised to make her long-awaited return to Wales rugby league, aiming to feature in her first Wales appearance in five years during this month’s World Cup warm-up clash with Canada in Neath. The former captain has been back in rugby league since last year after earning 33 caps in the 15-a-side code, and her comeback highlights the continued crossover success between the two codes at the international level.
Wales head coach Tom Brindle has named a dynamic 23-player squad that includes five uncapped talents as the side sharpens its preparations for October’s World Cup, where Wales will face formidable opposition in Australia, England, and Samoa. Brindle spoke positively about the forthcoming match against Canada, describing it as exactly the kind of fixture necessary to build momentum ahead of the World Cup. He emphasized that the inclusion of five potential international debuts reflects the growing strength and depth emerging in the women’s game.
“We’re really excited for this challenge against Canada — this is exactly the sort of fixture we need as we continue building towards the World Cup,” Brindle said. “We’ve named five players who could make their international debuts, and that’s a reflection of the strength that’s developing in the women’s game. Every one of them has earned this opportunity through consistently strong performances at club level, and they’ve pushed the experienced players all the way for selection.”
The five newcomers set to chase first caps if selected for the match at The Gnoll on Sunday, July 19, are Jade Mullen, Frances Layton, Zoe Heeley, Sioned Young, and Hollie Brussels. Their potential debuts come at a time of strong progress for Wales, who clinched a spot in the eight-team World Cup for the first time in their history by defeating Ireland and the Netherlands in qualifying two years prior. Canada, meanwhile, endured a challenging campaign, suffering a heavy defeat to Fiji in a play-off semi-final, signaling that the Canadian team will present a tough, physical test.
Brindle stressed that Wales will stay focused on their own game plan and on continued improvement, aiming to raise standards and empower the new players to demonstrate their skills in a Wales shirt. “We know Canada will provide a tough, physical test, but our focus is on playing our game, continuing to improve the standards we’ve set, and giving those new players the confidence to show what they can do in a Wales shirt,” he concluded.
Wales’ World Cup squad features a blend of experienced internationals and rising stars from across the domestic and club scene. The list features players from Cardiff Demons, Huddersfield Giants, London Broncos, St Helens, Warrington Wolves, Wigan Warriors, and York Valkyrie, illustrating a broad spread of talent contributing to Wales’ sustained development in women’s rugby league. The lineup includes Leanne Burnell, Katie Carr, Jasmine Gibbons, Seren Gough-Walters, Zoe Heeley, Ffion Jenkins, Sara Jones, Frances Layton, Rhi Parker, Amberley Ruck, Olivia Williams, and Sioned Young (all Cardiff Demons); Georgia Cussons and Gracie Hobbs (Huddersfield Giants); Emily Hughes, Ffion Lewis, Jade Mullen, Kathryn Salter (all London Broncos); Dani McGifford (St Helens); Hollie Brussels (Warrington Wolves); Bethan Dainton and Carys Marsh (both Wigan Warriors); and Agnes Wood (York Valkyrie). The diverse roster underscores Wales’ commitment to building depth and competitive edge as they prepare for the global stage of the Rugby League World Cup.
Fans can look forward to an exciting display of talent as Wales aims to translate the momentum from their qualifying success into strong performances against top-tier international opposition. The match against Canada will serve not only as a test of Wales’ readiness for the World Cup but also as a showcase for the rising stars who could shape the future of Welsh women’s rugby league. With Ffion Lewis returning to the fold and a fresh cohort of uncapped players ready to seize their chances, Wales’ World Cup campaign is building momentum and anticipation ahead of the autumn tournament.