Spirited England exit World Cup after Samoa loss

England exit the Women's Rugby League World Cup as Samoa beat them 24-6 in their Group A decider in Wollongong. England had been bidding to reach a fifth consecutive semi-final England's women took one step back in the hope of taking two forward as they exited the Rugby League World Cup at the group stage. With Stuart Barrow's side defeated by Samoa – despite a spirited display – their focus immediately shifts forward to 2030. Whether that long-term strategy will bear dividends, though, is as uncertain as the location of the tournament in four years' time, which is yet to be confirmed. After reaching the semi-final stage at the previous four World Cups, England's eye was clearly on the future this time.

That was reflected in Barrow's thinking for this tournament when he named a squad containing 11 players aged 23 or under. While the 70-6 rout of a Wales team ill-equipped to compete at this level on their bow had been anticipated and briefly raised expectation levels, what has followed has only underlined the gulf in class England still have to bridge. And having been humbled again by the Jillaroos just under a week ago, any suggestions that the experience was the "best preparation" they could have for a make-or-break final group game were trashed on Friday in Wollongong.