22 players from 20 colleges and universities are today named in the England Students Women's squad for 2023.
England defeated Great Britain Teachers and UK Armed Forces to lift the President’s Cup in 2022 and the squad features some familiar faces returning in 2023, with Alyx Bridge (Edge Hill University), Caitlin Casey (Garforth Academy), Pippa Curely (Huddersfield New College) Jess Harrap (Leeds Trinity University), Izzy Northrop (Newcastle University) and Danielle Waters (University of Hull) all included.
Earlier this year a record 184 players attended trials in the north and south of England delivered by England Community Lions.
The RFL’s Conor Meese, a co-selector alongside management team colleagues and coaches, says: “A huge congratulations to everyone who has been selected following the recent trials. It’s been really challenging for us as staff and coaches to select the final squad given the number and ability of the players who attended the trials. This shows the growth within the women’s game and in particular the appetite within the educational settings.
“I would also like to thank Castleford Tigers College for their support, as they have kindly opened up their facilities as training partners for the 2023 England Students programme.”
Head coach Ellis Pascall adds: “We are really happy with the final squad and have been very impressed with all who attended the trials. We now look forward to working closely with the team over the coming months to compete well in this year’s programme.
“This is an important part of the England development pathway. 11 of last year’s squad progressed into the England Knights Women’s squad and one player was selected for England’s World Cup squad.”
Castleford Tigers College allows both male and female athletes the opportunity to train full time while receiving first class education. Anybody interested in joining the college or who would like more information on how the college could support them should email mattyfaulkner@castigers.com
England Students Women’s squad to compete against GB Teachers and UK Armed Forces in May for the President’s Cup and Pankhurst Cup
- Grace Banks (West Lancashire College)
- Gracie Bradshaw (Southport College)
- Alyx Bridge (Edge Hill University)
- Mayzi Carter (Ossett Academy)
- Caitlin Casey (Garforth Academy)
- Evie Cousins (Guisley Sixth Form)
- Pippa Curley (Huddersfield New College)
- Elise Gater (Wigan & Leigh College)
- Jess Harrap (Leeds Trinity University)
- Beth Hayes (University of Salford)
- Lydia Humphries (Rainhill Sixth Form)
- Eva Hunter (Winstanley College)
- Jessica Ingram (Loughborough University)
- Molly Jones (Winstanley College)
- Abbie Millward (Loughborough College)
- Lois Naidole (Huddersfield New College)
- Izzy Northrop (Newcastle University)
- Beri Salihi (Carmel College)
- Jessica Sharp (Bishop Burton)
- Danielle Waters (University of Hull)
- Olivia Whitehead (Leeds Beckett University)
- Megan Williams (Cronton College)
