Mary Coleman Secures Debut England Selection for Upcoming France Test

Wigan Warriors prop Mary Coleman has received her maiden England call-up for the mid-season Test match against France later this month.

The 28-year-old made the transition to rugby league four years ago, following a rugby union career with Preston Grasshoppers.

During her time in the 15-a-side code, Coleman represented Cambridge University in three Varsity matches at Twickenham (2016, 2017, and 2018). She also represented her home county of Kent in both union and athletics.

Most recently, Coleman played a key role in Wigan’s dominant 54-6 victory over St Helens at Wembley on May 30 to secure the Women’s Challenge Cup title.

England will face France in a standalone Test at Stade Ernest Wallon in Toulouse on Saturday, July 25 (18:00 BST). The fixture is part of a double-header alongside the men’s Super League clash between Toulouse and the Catalan Dragons (21:00 BST).

Head coach Stuart Barrow has opted not to include any players based in Australia, as the NRLW season is currently in progress.

The encounter serves as a vital warm-up for Barrow’s squad ahead of the Women’s World Cup, which takes place across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea this October and November.

England, who will play all their World Cup fixtures on Australian soil, will kick off their campaign against Wales in Perth on Saturday, October 17.

Barrow commented: “While our immediate goal is to deliver a commanding performance in France, every training session and camp in the coming months is designed to prepare us for the World Cup.”

England squad: Mia-Jayne Atherton (Wigan Warriors), Keara Bennett (Leeds Rhinos), Ruby Bruce (Leeds Rhinos), Mary Coleman (Wigan Warriors), Evie Cousins (Leeds Rhinos), Jodie Cunningham (St Helens), Anna Davies (Wigan Warriors), Ellise Derbyshire (Wigan Warriors), Ella Donnelly (Leeds Rhinos), Jenna Foubister (Wigan Warriors), Shona Hoyle-Holdsworth (St Helens), Eva Hunter (Wigan Warriors), Katie Mottershead (St Helens), Lucy Murray (Leeds Rhinos), Tamzin Renouf (York Valkyrie), Isabel Rowe (Wigan Warriors), Vicky Whitfield (St Helens), Megan Williams (Wigan Warriors), Georgia Wilson (Wigan Warriors).

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