England women’s rugby league team have been eliminated from the Rugby League World Cup following a 6-24 loss to Samoa in the group stage, dealing a significant blow to their tournament ambitions.
Head Coach Stuart Barrow’s young squad proved unable to contain Samoa’s attacking threat, as the Pacific Islanders secured a commanding victory that sent England packing. The defeat marks an end to the Lionesses’ hopes of reaching a fifth consecutive semi-final.
Samoa’s Dominant Display
Samoa’s forward power and pace overwhelmed England’s youthful lineup throughout the contest. Players including Freedom Crichton Ropati, Taulelei-Siala, Fanua Rimoni, and Pauline Piliae-Rasabale orchestrated a clinical performance that proved too much for the English defence to handle.
England managed to score just 6 points in a one-sided affair, struggling to build any sustained attacking momentum against the Samoan unit. The 18-point margin of defeat illustrated the gulf in intensity between the two sides on the day.
England’s Efforts Fall Short
Captain Jodie Cunningham led England’s challenge, while squad members including Evie Cousins, Hollie-Mae Dodd, Isabel Rowe, and Fran Goldthorp provided their contribution to the Lionesses’ campaign. Despite their efforts, the young England team lacked the necessary attacking cohesion to trouble Samoa’s backline.
Barrow’s decision to field a youthful squad appeared to backfire against opponents who brought both physicality and tactical discipline to a decisive group-stage encounter. England’s inability to convert opportunities and control possession in key moments ultimately proved costly.
The result represents a premature exit from a tournament where England had established themselves as regulars in the latter stages of competition.