By PHIL CAPLAN
FRANCE will prepare for the Women’s IRL Rugby League World Cup by hosting traditional rivals England and staging an historic international against Nigeria’s Green Falcons.
Under new head coach Alan Walsh for the first time, France Women – fourth in the world rankings – will play number three ranked England in Toulouse on Saturday, July 25 (kick-off 4pm local time).
The match will be staged alongside the Toulouse-Catalans Super League match at Stade Ernest Wallon.
France will then host Nigeria on Saturday, August 1 at Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan (kick off 4pm local time), as part of a double header with the Catalans-Wakefield Super League match.
“It’s very exciting times for women’s rugby league in France, with Catalans Women having played in the Challenge Cup, plus the two Test matches and a World Cup in the southern hemisphere,” said Wigan-born Walsh.
“We’re looking forward to playing England to see where we are in our preparations for the World Cup.
“Facing Nigeria will also be a tough test as they will have their heritage players flying in from the Uk and Australia for the game so again it’s an excellent way to prepare for the World Cup”.
The international against Nigeria will be the first time France has played the African nation. The match is being played as part of reciprocal arrangement in which Nigeria will host France in 2027.
Of the clash with the Green Falcons, FFRXIII president, Dominique Baloup, noted: “Beyond the performance stakes, this match carries a broader meaning.
“It is fully in line with France’s desire to actively contribute to the development of women’s rugby league on a global scale.
“The France-Nigeria match illustrates this dual ambition: to prepare our national team for the World Cup as well as possible, while supporting the growth of a more visible, competitive and more universal women’s rugby league. Perpignan, a land of history and passion for our sport, will offer an ideal setting for this event.”
England women’s head coach, Stuart Barrow, said: “We’re very much looking forward to travelling to France in July. The timing of this fixture gives us a great opportunity to assess where we are as a squad just a few months out from the World Cup.
“I’m expecting France to be well coached and a tough opponent, but this is exactly what we’ll need as we head into yet another pivotal year for the women’s game”.
For Nigeria, the international against France is an opportunity test themselves against a strong European nation after beating Ireland and then losing the final of the World Series to Fiji in Canada; the Green Falcons’ first matches outside of Africa.
“Facing France is a significant moment for our women’s programme and a reflection of how far we’ve come in a short space of time,” commented Nigeria Rugby League Association vice-chairman Ade Adebisi.
“This match is about continuing to build belief and giving our players the experience of competing against one of Europe’s strongest nations.
“After our World Series campaign, we’ve seen the level required at the top, and this is another important step in closing that gap.
“We’re proud to represent Nigeria on this stage and excited about what this opportunity means for the growth of women’s rugby league back home.”
He added: “The reciprocal agreement with France also highlights the strength of collaboration between emerging and established nations. We’re building something long term and matches like this play a key role in inspiring the next generation while strengthening our pathway towards future World Cups.”
As part of their build up, Nigeria’s women played an Africa All Stars team at Alaro City in Lagos, winning 30-12.
The All Stars included players drawn from Ghana, Uganda, Kenya and Ivory Coast, as well as Nigeria and reflected the expanding reach of the sport for women’s rugby league in Africa.
Speaking ahead of the match, NRLA chair, Abiodun Olawale-Cole, described the fixture as a defining moment for the sport on the continent.
“The Africa All-Stars Exhibition Match is more than a game; it is a celebration of how far we have come as a continent,” he said.
“The Green Falcons’ historic qualification for the World Series and their silver medal finish on the global stage have shown the world what African talent is capable of.
“Bringing together players from across Africa to face our national team here in Lagos is a powerful moment for the sport and a glimpse into its future.”
Lagos State director-general of the Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, said that the initiative aligned with efforts to promote sports as a tool for diplomacy and international engagement.
“We want to go as far as we can to mobilize and galvanize all individuals that will help us create that platform and offer opportunity and exposure for our talents who will take to rugby,” he said.
“Nigeria is currently ranked number one on the continent, and this match brought more visibility to the sport and allowed the Green Falcons and girls to continue to show their mettle and sharpen their skills.”
Major potential commercial sponsors were also present, and an NRLA Rugby League Development week concluded with a refereeing and coaching clinic as Nigeria push for full membership of the IRL.
France v England
Saturday 25th July
1600hrs Kick Off
Stade Ernest Wallon, Toulouse
France v Nigeria
Saturday 1st August
1600hrs Kick Off
Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan
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