France will begin a new era under head coach Alan Walsh when they face England on Saturday 25 July at the Stade Ernest Wallon in Toulouse (kick off 6pm, local time) ahead of Rugby League World Cup 2026.

The Test is being staged as a double-header with Super League's French-derby between Toulouse and Catalans, and will serve as preparation for the World Cup in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

England are in Pool A and play Wales on October 17 and Australia on October 24 in Perth before travelling to Wollongong to meet Samoa.

France are the only team to play in all three host nations, commencing their campaign against PNG Orchids in Port Moresby on October 17, before taking on the Kiwi Ferns in Christchurch on October 25 and Fiji on the Gold Coast on October 31.

Walsh, who was appointed late last year, could give debuts to four players; Tessa Benmalek, Camille Boudad, Sarah-Louise Vernay and Amaël Vilanove.

“We are really looking forward to playing England,” said Wigan-born Walsh. “It is a massive honour and will be a great challenge.

“Facing them in a World Cup year will be hugely beneficial and play an important role in our preparation for the tournament. We will definitely give our all and hopefully do women’s rugby league in France proud.”

The England squad features six potential debutants, including 28-year-old Wigan Warriors middle Mary Coleman.

Photo: Jodie Cunningham will lead England in their last hit-out before the World Cup. @SWPix

A former rugby union player with Preston Grasshoppers, Coleman made her Wigan debut against Featherstone Rovers in the 2022 Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup.

Coleman was named in the England Knights Performance Squad later that year before progressing to the senior England set-up. She is selected alongside eight Wigan team-mates.

England head coach Stuart Barrow has also called Megan Williams, Mia Atherton, Ellise Derbyshire, Ella Donnelly and Evie Cousins into his squad.

“Selection has been tough with so much quality on show during the opening rounds of the Betfred Women’s Super League and several players come into the squad for the first time after consistently impressing with their performances and attitude," Barrow said.

“This match is especially important as we build towards our opening game against Wales at the Rugby League World Cup in October. I’m excited by the group we’ve assembled and look forward to seeing them embrace the opportunity in Toulouse.”

The game will be played to NRLW rules, including being of 70 minutes duration, as part of both sides’ preparation for the World Cup which will be based on them.

France’s Stephane Vincent takes charge of the fixture.

The match will be livestreamed on FFRXIII’s YouTube channel.

France (squad)

Haoua Kessely, Amaël Vilanove (AS Ayguesvivoise XIII), Tallis Eranossian (RC Begles XIII), Stecy Bessiere, Camille Boudaud , Lisa Diraison, Mélissa Medina, Perrine Monsarrat, Elodie Pacull, Perle Ramazeilles, Dorine Samarra, Manon Samarra, Salomé Segala (RC Lescure Arthes XIII), Elisa Akpa, Tessa Benmalek, Margot Canal, Fanny Ramos, Cristina Song Puche, Sarah Louise Vernay (St Esteve XIII Catalan)

England (squad)

Keara Bennett, Ruby Bruce, Evie Cousins, Ella Donnelly, Lucy Murray (Leeds Rhinos), Jodie Cunningham, Shona Hoyle, Katie Mottershead, Vicky Whitfield (St Helens), Mia-Jayne Atherton, Mary Coleman, Anna Davies, Ellise Derbyshire, Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter, Isabel Rowe, Megan Williams, Georgia Wilson (Wigan Warriors), Tamzin Renouf (York Valkyrie),