Molyneux: An honour

• Victoria Molyneux reflects after making another appearance for England in their recent 40-4 victory over France.
• Molyneux: “We have so much potential as a squad to lift that World Cup trophy next year. It was a privilege to represent my Country surrounded by such talent, it really is an honour.”
• France Women 4-40 England Women.

Victoria Molyneux described her recent appearance for her country as ‘an amazing experience’ as England faced France in a women’s and men’s double header in Perpignan on Saturday afternoon.

The Warriors loose forward gained her first cap for England in 2007, coincidentally in a game against France in Toulouse. After breaking back into the England squad for 2021 following two solid seasons with Wigan, Molyneux was once again selected to travel and face the French outfit in a game which saw the England Women’s first international match on terrestrial TV.

She said” “My first cap was against France in Toulouse back in 2007. The intensity and physicality of the game now is much higher, it was an amazing experience especially being televised on BBC. The behind the scenes support has been fantastic, we really are well looked after.”

England faced up against a tough opponent in France, who kept the scores to nil until the 26th minute when Amy Hardcastle broke the deadlock: “France were tough and their pack made us work, particularly in the first 25 to 30 minutes.

“Our completion rate was low which contributed to the struggle to get over the try line. Having that physical game will help us as we enter World Cup year, we will expect to face tougher opposition so facing a physical French side at the weekend will allow us to feel more prepared for that.”

With the 2022 Rugby League World Cup in their sights, England managed two wins from two in 2021 with victories over Wales in the Summer before Saturday’s win over France.

Speaking on the England preparations, Molyneux said: “We have so much potential as a squad to lift that World Cup trophy next year. It was a privilege to represent my Country surrounded by such talent, it really is an honour. We will continue to work hard to fix up parts of our game that we need to improve on, reduce the number of errors and we know we need to be more clinical than we were at the weekend.”

Looking ahead to 2022, Molyneux is focused: “My biggest aim for next season is to be selected for the World Cup. I do however focus on one game at a time and I will continue to always focus on giving it my all when I pull on that Cherry and White jersey and hopefully help the team to compete with the top sides like Leeds and Saints.

“We know that we can and we have shown at times last season that we have the quality to do so, we just need to do that more consistently. I am optimistic that we will have the opportunity to play in those big games; the semi-finals and finals.”

She added: “I’m excited for the year ahead. Playing for Wigan and England is a childhood dream of mine, I feel privileged that I get the opportunity to do it again next season!”

Trials for the Warriors Women’s 2022 squad take place this coming weekend (Saturday 30th October). For all the info and how to book, click HERE.

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