Emily Rudge: Winning Rugby League World Cup is England captain’s 'ultimate goal'

Emily Rudge is England women’s most capped Rugby League player ever and has captained the side since 2018. But for Rudge, there remains one ultimate goal –– ”winning the World Cup.” 

Since its inception in 2000, there have been five instalments of the competition, three of which have been won by New Zealand, with England’s best place finish being third. 

Rudge, who has played in three of these five World Cups, will lead the team out on home soil this November, in a tournament which promises to be transformational for the sport. 

“I think we’ve got a really strong squad this year,” Rudge told GiveMeSport Women. 

“The likes of Hollie Dodd, Keara [Bennett] and Fran [Goldthorp] are all incredible athletes, even though they’re so young.”

Craig Richards’ squad consists of just one uncapped player and the youthful enthusiasm of England’s newest stars is well complemented by the experience of long-term servants such as Jodie Cunningham, Amy Hardcastle and Rudge herself. 

“I think there’s strength across every position and it’s a really good position to be in ahead of a World Cup,” the England skipper emphasised. 

What an unbelievable honour it is to be named as captain for the #RLWC2021