England women exit World Cup as men await Tonga–Samoa result

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England’s women were eliminated from the Rugby League World Cup on Friday after losing 24–6 to Samoa in Wollongong, while the men’s 34–12 win over Papua New Guinea left their own semi-final hopes dependent on the result elsewhere.

Freedom Crichton Ropati scored a first-half hat-trick for Samoa at WIN Stadium, taking them into the interval 12–0 ahead. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala extended the advantage after the break before Evie Cousins scored England’s only try, converted by Isabel Rowe.

England remained in contention at 16–6 but could not turn further opportunities into points. Pauline Piliae-Rasabale added a penalty, and Fanua Rimoni’s late converted try secured Samoa’s first appearance in the women’s World Cup semi-finals.

The defeat ended Stuart Barrow’s side’s campaign after two losses in three group games. It also brought captain Jodie Cunningham’s international career to a close after 38 Tests and four World Cups.

Later, England’s men began their match against the Kumuls with four tries in 21 minutes. Matty Ashton, AJ Brimson, Dom Young and Harry Smith crossed as Brian McDermott’s team raced into a 22–0 lead, before a Hugo Savala penalty made it 24–0 at half-time.

But Papua New Guinea fought back through Dudley Dotoi and Gairo Voro, with Rhyse Martin converting both tries to reduce the gap to 24–12. England did not score another try until Morgan Knowles crossed in the 69th minute; Mikey Lewis added the final score on the last play.

England secured the win but their 22-point margin was insufficient to put qualification under their own control. The NRL’s official report recorded 20 England errors as their attempts to build a much larger score faltered.

According to the NRL, England now require Tonga to beat Samoa by at least 47 points at CommBank Stadium on Sunday, 1 November, to reach the men’s semi-finals. That fixture has yet to be played, so their elimination is not confirmed.

Sources

• NRL: Samoa reach the women’s semi-finals after beating England
• Sky Sports: England women exit after 24–6 Samoa defeat
• Total Rugby League: Samoa end England’s women’s campaign
• NRL: England men win 34–12 but need Tonga help (2026-10-30)
• Total Rugby League: England fail to secure the margin they needed