Wales Women Rugby League World Cup Squad 2026
Wales played their first ever women’s rugby league Test in 2021. Five years later, they’re playing at a World Cup.
It’s a huge step for a young team, and they’ve had a tough start against a strong England side in Perth.
Wales have named a 23-player squad for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026, captained by Bethan Dainton and coached by Tom Brindle, with six uncapped players.
They play Fetu Samoa at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta on Friday 23 October, at 5:50pm Sydney time (7:50am UK).
Below, you’ll find the full 23-player squad with clubs, the Round 1 result, the key players, every fixture and how to watch in the UK.
We’ll update this page with team lists, results and team news throughout the tournament, so it’s worth bookmarking.
Quick Answer: Wales at the Women’s World Cup 2026
- Squad: 23 players, including six uncapped when named
- Captain: Bethan Dainton (Wigan Warriors)
- Coach: Tom Brindle
- Round 1: England 70-6 Wales, Perth
- Next match: Samoa v Wales, Friday 23 October, 5:50pm Sydney (7:50am UK)
- Watch in the UK: Premier Sports
Wales Women Squad for the Rugby League World Cup 2026
Here is Tom Brindle’s 23-player squad, as released on NRL.com, with each player’s club.
| Player | Club | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hannah Bluck | Cardiff Demons | Uncapped when named |
| Hollie Brussels | Warrington Wolves | Uncapped when named |
| Leanne Burnell | Cardiff Demons | |
| Katie Carr | Cardiff Demons | |
| Georgia Cussons | Huddersfield Giants | |
| Bethan Dainton | Wigan Warriors | Captain |
| Lucia Davies | Cardiff Demons | |
| Jasmine Gibbons | Cardiff Demons | |
| Zoe Heeley | Cardiff Demons | |
| Gracie Hobbs | Huddersfield Giants | |
| Emily Hughes | London Broncos | |
| Frances Layton | Cardiff Demons | |
| Ffion Lewis | London Broncos | |
| Carys Marsh | Wigan Warriors | |
| Dani McGifford | St Helens | |
| Jade Mullen | London Broncos | |
| Tayla Preston | Canterbury Bulldogs | Uncapped when named |
| Amberley Ruck | Cardiff Demons | |
| Kathryn Salter | London Broncos | |
| Paige Travis | St Helens | Uncapped when named |
| Erin Williams | Cardiff Demons | Uncapped when named |
| Siân Williams | North Queensland Cowboys | Uncapped when named |
| Agnes Wood | York Valkyrie |
Cardiff Demons have nine players in the squad, more than any other club, and most of the rest play in Super League.
Two players come from the NRLW: Bulldogs captain Tayla Preston and Cowboys winger Siân Williams. Both were uncapped by Wales when the squad was named.
Leanne Burnell, Kathryn Salter and Emily Hughes all played in Wales’ first ever Test, against England in 2021.
England vs Wales Result
England beat Wales 70-6 at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday 17 October, after leading 40-6 at half-time.
Connie Boyd scored a hat-trick on debut for England, and Anna Davies also scored three tries.
For Wales, Paige Travis made history with the nation’s first ever try at a Women’s World Cup.
It was a hard lesson against one of the best teams in the world. Read the NRL.com match report for every try.
Key Wales Players to Watch
Tayla Preston is the star name. The Bulldogs captain and halfback has played 48 NRLW games for the Bulldogs, Sharks and Eels.
Captain Bethan Dainton leads the pack and brings Super League experience from Wigan Warriors.
Paige Travis switched from England to Wales and scored their first World Cup try in Round 1.
Out wide, Cowboys winger Siân Williams gives Wales a strike weapon from the NRLW, and a big threat from long range.
Wales Women Fixtures at the World Cup
| Date | Match | Venue | UK time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 17 Oct | England v Wales | HBF Park, Perth | – | England won 70-6 |
| Fri 23 Oct | Samoa v Wales | CommBank Stadium, Parramatta | 7:50am | To be played |
| Sun 1 Nov | Australia v Wales | CommBank Stadium, Parramatta | 4:45am | To be played |
The Samoa game is Wales’ best chance of a first World Cup win, as both teams lost their opening games.
Their last group game is against the defending champions, Australia, in Parramatta on Sunday 1 November.
That game kicks off at 3:45pm Sydney time, which is 4:45am in the UK after the clocks go back.
Every game is live on Premier Sports in the UK. See all the women’s fixtures in our Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026 guide.
Who Is the Wales Women Coach?
Tom Brindle is the Wales head coach. He picked the 23-player squad and leads the team at their first World Cup.
He has built a side around Cardiff Demons players, mixed with Super League and NRLW talent, including six uncapped players.
Wales earned their place by winning a European qualifying tournament, alongside France.
Bethan Dainton of Wigan Warriors is his captain, and she leads a pack full of Super League experience.
How to Watch Wales at the Women’s World Cup
In the UK and Ireland, every Wales match is live on Premier Sports, which needs a subscription.
In Australia, games are free on the Seven Network and 7plus, and in New Zealand they’re on Sky Sport.
Travelling from Wales to watch? A VPN like NordVPN keeps your Premier Sports account working abroad and protects you on public Wi-Fi. (We may earn a commission.)
Tickets for Samoa vs Wales start from $19 AUD on Ticketmaster.
Wales Women World Cup Squad: FAQ
Here are quick answers to the questions fans ask most about Wales at the World Cup.
Each answer starts with the key fact, so you can find it fast.
For full details, see the sections above.
Who is in the Wales squad for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026?
Wales named 23 players, captained by Bethan Dainton.
Tayla Preston and Siân Williams are the NRLW players.
Six players were uncapped when the squad was named.
Who is the Wales women’s rugby league coach?
Tom Brindle is the head coach.
He named the 23-player World Cup squad.
Bethan Dainton is his captain.
Is this Wales’ first Women’s Rugby League World Cup?
Yes.
Wales played their first ever women’s Test in 2021.
Paige Travis scored their first World Cup try against England in Perth.
What time is Samoa vs Wales in the UK?
Samoa vs Wales kicks off at 7:50am UK time on Friday 23 October 2026.
That’s 5:50pm in Sydney.
It’s live on Premier Sports.
Conclusion
Wales are playing their first Women’s Rugby League World Cup, with a 23-player squad led by Bethan Dainton and coached by Tom Brindle.
The 70-6 loss to England was tough, but Paige Travis’s try was a moment of history for Welsh rugby league.
The game against Fetu Samoa in Parramatta on 23 October is their big chance of a first World Cup win.
See their next opponents on our Fetu Samoa World Cup squad page, and England’s squad on our England Women squad page.
