International women’s rugby league has seen a major shake-up after a historic rule change was announced by the sport’s governing body.
With a World Cup at the end of the year, the rules on international eligibility have been changed opening up massive opportunities for players with Australian, New Zealand and English heritage.
The sport’s governing body International Rugby League have confirmed that the tiering system has been removed in the women’s game. Previously, Australia, New Zealand and England were classed as tier one nations and therefore players could not represent another one of those sides once declaring eligibility for another.
By contrast, a player could represent a tier one nation and then change eligibility to represent a tier two nation, or vice versa.
A statement from the IRL confirmed: “The move is designed to grow the women’s game at international level by capitalising on the strength and depth of the NRLW competition.”
A number of players in the NRLW competition, which is considered superior to the Women’s Super League, have English heritage meaning that England could be massively boosted ahead of this year’s World Cup.
International Rugby League confirms major shake-up with historic change ahead of women’s World Cup
IRL chair Troy Grant explained in July of 2025 that the matter would be considered with a primary reason being to bolster the English and other Northern Hemisphere sides, with those comments made just months after Australia defeated England 90-4 in Las Vegas.
Grant said: “There are some quality NRLW dual-eligible players that could boost the English and other Northern Hemisphere sides, especially leading up to the World Cup in 2026, quickly followed by their own standalone World Cup in 2028.
“I think there’s absolute merit, and I will take the issue to our next board meeting with my support for the removal of the tiering for women to help spread the talent pool and contribute to the ongoing growth of the women’s game.”
When confirming the new system, the IRL said: “The removal of the tiering system for Women’s nations means players can now represent any nation for which they qualify through birth or if a parent or grandparent was born in that country. Players continue to be prohibited from representing more than one country in a calendar year.”
With the change now confirmed, a number of players who had already been eligible for England may strongly consider donning the England shirt as they would still retain the option of playing for either Australia or New Zealand.
Sydney Roosters duo Jocelyn Kelleher and Jasmin Strange (who both have English-born mothers) and Canterbury Bulldogs’ Tayla Preston would all be eligible to represent England.
📢IRL Board removes tiering for Women’s nations
The International Rugby League Board has unanimously agreed to remove the tiering system for Women’s nations, enabling eligible players to move between Australia, England and New Zealand.
The move is designed to grow the women’s… pic.twitter.com/ta5AJeRuQt
— International Rugby League (@IntlRugbyLeague) March 15, 2026
