International Rugby League
Rapid growth in women's rugby league and an ever-increasing talent pool has seen a positive rise in the international game over the past decade.
New Zealand held the mantra of being the world's best team for more than 20 years until Australia broke their World Cup drought in 2013. The Jillaroos are now the benchmark for other nations to aspire to following World Cup victory in 2017.
In 2019, Fiji Bulikula entered the Test match arena in style with an impressive 28-0 win over Papua New Guinea, who were also more exposed to international fixtures in 2019 with two Tests against England.
In Europe, international sides like England and France continue to improve with more exposure to the game, while Canada and Brazil are set for further development following the rescheduled 2021 World Cup.
Current international rankings
- Australia
- New Zealand
- England
- France
- Papua New Guinea
- Cook Islands
- Canada
- Ireland
- Wales
- Brazil
- Greece
- Serbia
- Italy
- Philippines
- Turkey
- Tonga
- Malta
- USA
- Fiji
- Samoa
- Lebanon
- Argentina
Rankings correct as of October 1, 2023.
Golden Boot winners
The Rugby League International Federation announced the prestigious golden boot award would be introduced to the women's game in 2018. The award recognises the best player in the international game for that calendar year.
| Year | Player | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Georgia Hale | New Zealand |
| 2022 | Raecene McGregor | New Zealand |
| 2019 | Jessica Sergis | Australia |
| 2018 | Isabelle Kelly | Australia |
Note: No Golden Boot awards were announced in 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.
