France and Nigeria women will make history when they meet for the first time tomorrow (Saturday) in a senior international for world ranking points at the Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan (kick off 6pm, local time) in a curtain raiser to the Catalans Dragons v Wakefield Super League fixture. The hosts, coming off an improved display against England, name an experienced side, with all players in their squad previously capped. Perle Ramazeilles, Fanny Ramos, Dorine Samarra and Sarah-Louise Vernay miss out on selection after featuring last week with Anais Andral, Chaharazad Himoudi, Noemie Samuel and Louise Tooman coming into contention.
France women’s head coach, Alan Walsh, commented: “We will test our depth as we prepare for the World Cup as we had a couple of injuries from the England game, so a couple more of our overall 30-women performance squad will get a chance to prove themselves. The work done in the clubs that regularly play 13-a-side in France has helped us progress enormously and also the dedication of the players themselves.” Nigeria will be coached for the first time by Mel Spero, who has a significant CV in the women’s game in Australia. The Green Falcons have risen to tenth in the world rankings, most recently making the final of the IRL Women’s Rugby League World Series in Canada last autumn.
The game with France presents them with a first opportunity to test themselves against a consistent top four globally ranked side. Mary Adewa, Abigail Daly, Toba Lawale, Annique Omodiagbe and Diamond Osobu are in line to make their debuts in a squad which features players from clubs across four continents. “I’m incredibly proud of the commitment this group has shown,” said Spero. “Every challenge that’s been put in front of them has been met with resilience, determination and a willingness to learn. They work tirelessly both on and off the field, and it’s been rewarding to see their confidence grow with every training session.
“This team isn’t just committed to becoming better rugby league players—they’re committed to building the future of rugby league in Nigeria. They understand they’re representing something much bigger than themselves.” In a reciprocal arrangement, the nations are set to meet in a return fixture in Alvaro City, Lagos next year. France’s Geoffrey Poumes will take charge of the fixture which will be played to NRLW rules to assist France’s preparation for the IRL Women’s Rugby League World Cup later this year, which includes the game being played in 35-minute halves.
France Squad
Amael Vilanove, Haoua Kessely (AS Ayguesvivoise XIII), Elisa Akpa, Tessa Benmalek, Margot Canal, Cristina Song-Puche (St Esteve XIII Catalan), Tallis Eranossian (RC Begles XIII), Anais Andral, Stecy Bessiere, Camille Boudaud, Lisa Diraison, Chaharazad Himoudi, Melissa Medina, Perrine Monsarrat, Elodie Pacull, Manon Samarra, Noemie Samuel, Salome Segala, Louise Tooman (RC Lescure Arthes XIII)
Nigeria Squad
Chinaza Abbah, Lauretta Bayere, Adaeze Innocent, Rukayat Skinade (Lagos Bulls), Diamond Osobu (Leeds Rhinos), Danyelle Shobanko (London Broncos), Toba Lawale (North Herts Crusaders), Mary Adewa, Fedelia Omoghan (Ontario Ospreys), Success Iyoya, Abiola Obazuaye, Becky Okitikpe, Vera Perdo (R2 Finesse), Siobhan Sheerin (Scarborough RFC), Abigail Daly (Unattached), Confidence Ibelezim, Augustar Mene, Precious Ukwuoma (Eko Trinity), Annique Omodiagbe (Cronulla Sharks)
