England have suffered a major setback at the Rugby League World Cup after Jasmin Strange withdrew from the squad with a knee injury. Head coach Stuart Barrow described the loss as a "devastating blow" to their chances in the tournament.
Strange, 23, a second-row forward for the Sydney Roosters, had impressed on her debut, scoring a try as England thrashed Wales 70-6 in their World Cup opener. Her mother was born in Yorkshire, and she comes from a rugby league family. She was one of five NRLW players included in Barrow's squad to face the reigning world champions Australia in Perth.
Barrow said the injury was almost a freak accident. Strange was involved in a defensive session in training, stepped with the ball and suffered a serious knee injury. Scans the same day confirmed the team's worst fears. Barrow said the setback had "flatlined" the group and the coaching staff, but the squad had since bounced back.
Leeds Rhinos second-row Lucy Murray will replace Strange this weekend, and no further players will be added for the rest of the tournament. Barrow said Murray was close to selection in the original squad, and the coach expressed confidence in the 23 players competing for places. He noted that Strange "played very well at the weekend," so the loss is a significant one for the side, which has changed considerably since its 90-4 defeat to the Jillaroos in March 2025.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing