Fédération Française de Rugby à XIII has announced the appointment of Alan Walsh as coach of the French Women’s team ahead of IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026.

Walsh, who originally hails from Wigan, has been living in France since 1999 and has been a member of the coaching staff for the French Under 19s team.

He has also coached FC Lézignan and Carcassonne XIII in France’s Super XIII competition.

With the World Cup just nine months away, Walsh wants to build on the work done by former French Women’s coach Romain Maillot to prepare the team for matches against Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Fiji.

“The group is structured, the identity is affirmed, the foundations are solid,” he said.

“The daily commitment and work of the players is remarkable. They deserve the respect, support and commitment of all.”

Walsh said that competition for spots in the World Cup squad would be encouraged, and he is looking for a balance between experience and youth, with new players to be given a chance to impress.

France, who are ranked No.4 in the IRL World Rankings, are set to host thirdEngland on July 26 in what is likely to be Walsh’s first match in charge of the team.

France are aiming to be competitive at RLWC26 after failing to win a match at the last World Cupin 2022. Photo: Getty Images

He said the priority would be cohesion, the intensity of training and the strengthening of fundamentals in attack and defence.

“I want to get the best out of everyone. I like a game that is moving, structured, based on solid fundamentals,” Walsh said.

“Wearing the tricolor jersey is a privilege and an honor. It is earned every day, through work, investment and respect for the collective.”

Walsh’s ambition is twofold: to be ready for RLWC26, while building for the long term, particularly with a view to the next World Cup in 2030.

Beyond the results, the French Women's team must be a driver of development and a source of inspiration for players and coaches at club and pathways level.

With this in mind, Walsh wants to work towards the creation of a French U19 women's team to support young players, reward the commitment of clubs and offer future generations the honor of wearing the tricolor jersey.

France will begin their World Cup campaign against the Orchids in Port Moresby on October 17 before travelling to Christchurch to meet the Kiwi Ferns on October 25 and Gold Coast to play the Bu on October 31.