Australia thrash England 78-0 in Rugby League World Cup

Australia beat England 78-0 in the Women’s Rugby League World Cup, extending the gulf between the sides after England’s 90-4 loss in Las Vegas in March 2025. The reigning champions led 36-0 at half-time in Perth and scored 14 tries.

England conceded a penalty one second into the match, then struggled to contain Australia’s attack. Jocelyn Kelleher scored twice and kicked nine goals for 26 points. Jaime Chapman, Abbi Church and Isabelle Kelly also crossed twice each.

England were not expected to beat Australia, who have lost only one international since 2016, but the scale of the defeat raised fresh questions about how much progress England have made. BBC Sport noted that only six members of the current squad had played in the Las Vegas match.

England’s night was also marred by injuries: second-rower Eva Hunter left with an ankle problem in the first half, adding to the loss of Jasmin Strange, who had suffered a serious knee injury in training. England’s next match, against Samoa next Friday, is expected to decide their qualification for the knockout stages.