WHERE DO ENGLAND GO NEXT?
RICHARD de la RIVIERE
,
a devotee of Women’s Rugby League, reacts to England’s shattering 90-4defeat to the Jillaroos in Las Vegas
WHERE DOES women’s Rugby League in the UK go from here?
England’s 90-4defeat against Australia in Las Vegas last weekend was a calamitous result. I won’t dwell too much on the match, but it’s only right to recognise that a handful of players did play well, namely Anna Davies, Georgie Dagger, Hollie-Mae Dodd, Liv Wood and Vicky Whitfield.
It should also be pointed out that England’s best fullback, winger and centre – Tara Stanley, Leah Burke and Caitlin Beevers - missed the match through injury.
Coach Stuart Barrow had to front the media straight after the game, which can’t have been easy. He spoke of improving the domestic competition and trying to get more credible opposition for England than the annual games against France and Wales.
In the dressing room, I understand he was fairly sure he’d be sacked, but the Rugby Football League told me last week he will remain in his job.
I think that’s an error, but I also cannot seriously argue that England could have beaten Australia with anyone else leading the team.
And that, to a degree, is part of the governing body’s problem. Whoever the coach is, we’re too far away from second and comfortably ahead of the rest to get any meaningful matches in the calendar if we can’t play the Jillaroos and the Ferns.