SEVEN York Valkyrie stars have been named in the England squad for Saturday’s match against France (2pm).

Woman of Steel Tara Jane Stanley retains her place in Stu Barrow’s 19-woman squad after having featured in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, as do her York teammates Liv Wood, Grace Field and the outgoing Hollie-Mae Dodd, who will depart to link up with NRLW outfit Canberra Raiders next month.

Savannah Andrade, Valkyrie captain Sinead Peach, and Tamzin Renouf, who has scored in both of York’s Betfred Women’s Super League matches, including a brace in their 26-6 triumph against St Helens, have also been included.

It’s been a stellar start to the season for York, who have shown exactly why they are the favourites for the Women’s Super League despite being handed the toughest possible opening fixture against reigning champions Leeds Rhinos, whom they beat 34-12 in spectacular fashion in front of a record crowd at Headingley Stadium.

Such is the growth of women’s rugby in York, an LNER Community Stadium record of 1,073 fans tuned into their home opener against St Helens, before a strong travelling contingent witnessed their 44-4 Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup triumph at Barrow Raiders on Sunday.

Newly-appointed captain Jodie Cunningham, one of eight St Helens players included, will lead her side out at the Halliwell Jones Stadium for the first time. Australia-bound Georgia Roche is one of three Leeds Rhinos players to be named, alongside Keara Bennett and Amy Hardcastle.

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Explaining his selection, head coach Scott Barrow said: “It has been a really difficult decision on who to include and who will miss out.

“We have only had limited training time since last Autumn’s Rugby League World Cup, but after conversations with clubs and observing the opening rounds of the Betfred Women’s Super League I think we are in a good place with this squad.

“The game against France will give the players an opportunity to get on the field and represent England against a team with a new coach and who are looking strong and fresh – it’s a really exciting proposition for us.

“We have a good mix of experience in the squad which should give us a good platform as we begin the journey to the next Rugby League World Cup in 2025.”

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports as part of a double-header alongside England’s men, who will kick off at 4:30pm.

Both matches will see players turn out in a specially-designed kit – an artistic representation of St George’s cross along the length and breadth of the shirt – in a game-wide fundraising effort for the MND Association, a charity that has risen to prominence in the sport following Leeds Rhinos’ legend Kevin Sinfield’s fundraising efforts in support of former England half-back Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2019.

Tickets for the double-header are priced at £20 for Adults and £10 for Under 16s. For every ticket sold, £2.50 will be donated to the MND Association.

Full England Women’s Squad: Savannah Andrade (York Valkyrie), Keara Bennett (Leeds Rhinos), Leah Burke, Jodie Cunningham (C) (both St Helens), Hollie-Mae Dodd, Grace Field (both York Valkyrie), Amy Hardcastle (Leeds Rhinos), Zoe Harris, Shona Hoyle, Tara Jones (all St Helens), Vicky Molyneux (Wigan Warriors), Eboni Partington (St Helens), Sinead Peach, Tara-Jane Stanley, Tamzin Renouf (all York Valkyrie), Georgia Roche (Leeds Rhinos), Emily Rudge (St Helens), Vicky Whitfield (St Helens), Olivia Wood (York Valkyrie).