England's Jasmin Strange ruled out of World Cup after training knee injury
Jasmin Strange has been ruled out of England's Rugby League World Cup after suffering a knee injury during training in camp yesterday, head coach Stuart Barrow said. Barrow described Strange's withdrawal as a "devastating blow" to their World Cup prospects.
Strange, 23, scored on her England debut as the side beat Wales 70-6 in their World Cup opener and topped the carry count against Wales with 16 runs. She is a second-row forward for the Sydney Roosters and was one of five NRLW players named in Barrow's squad to face the reigning world champions Australia in Perth. Barrow noted Strange's family connection to the area, saying her mother was born in Yorkshire.
Barrow provided details of how the injury occurred and the immediate reaction from the camp: "Jasmin joined us when we arrived here and has been outstanding. She's mixed with the girls really well and to lose her yesterday in training was a devastating blow for all the girls." He added: "It was almost a freak accident. It was a defensive session but Jasmin was with the ball, did a step and unfortunately suffered a serious knee injury. It was a real disappointing outcome for someone who has been excellent for us." He also said: "Within seven hours Jas had a scan and got the results. I went to the hospital with her last night and the scan confirmed our worst fears."
Barrow described the wider effect on the squad, saying: "It's affected the camp but Jasmin will want us to recover and bounce back and she's coming back into camp this evening so the girls will get around her." He added: "It flatlined the group and it flatlined the coaching staff but we've bounced back today." The coach said Strange had looked set to be a key player for his new-look side which has altered significantly since England fell to a record defeat 90-4 defeat to the Jillaroos in March 2025.
Leeds Rhinos second-row Lucy Murray has been called into the squad to replace Strange this weekend, and Barrow said there are no plans to bring in another player for the remainder of the tournament. "She [Jasmin] played very well at the weekend so we lose a bit of quality but we've brought 23 players who are all competing for shirts so we are confident we can cover that loss," Barrow added. He confirmed: "It'll be a straight swap. Lucy [Murray] was very close in the first selection and was close again this week so with Jas playing that back-row spot, Lucy will come straight in."
England women: Fran Goldthorp, Anna Davies, Molly Jones, Connie Boyd, Amelia Brown, Isabel Rowe, Jenna Foubister, Liv Wood, Keara Bennett, Hollie-Mae Dodd, Lucy Murray, Eva Hunter, Megan Williams. Interchange: Jodie Cunningham, Vicky Whitfield, Georgia Roche, Lucie Sams. Reserves: Hope Millard, Mary Coleman, Georgia Wilson.
Barrow said Strange will return to camp this evening and that Murray will join the matchday squad this weekend as England prepare to face Australia in Perth, with no further additions planned for the rest of the tournament.