England Crash Out of Women's Rugby League World Cup After Samoa Stun Them

BBC Sport · 2026-10-30
England Crash Out of Women's Rugby League World Cup After Samoa Stun Them

England's Women's Rugby League World Cup campaign came to a shocking end as Samoa secured a stunning victory, with Freedom Crichton Ropati scoring a hat-trick to seal the upset. The result sends Samoa through and eliminates England from the tournament, marking a major disappointment for the host nation. Ropati's three tries were the highlight of a dominant Samoan performance that exposed England's defensive frailties. The loss will raise questions about England's preparation and execution in a match they were expected to win. Samoa, meanwhile, celebrate a historic result that underscores the growth of women's rugby league in the Pacific. The defeat is a bitter pill for England, who had high hopes of lifting the trophy on home soil. For Samoa, the victory is a testament to their resilience and skill, and they will now carry momentum into the next round. England's early exit serves as a reminder that in tournament sport, no result can be taken for granted. The Women's Rugby League World Cup continues to deliver surprises, and Samoa have proven they are a force to be reckoned with.