FIXTURES and venues have been confirmed for the women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026 European qualifiers.

In the preliminary play-off, Italy will take on Netherlands on April 27 at the Maurizio Quaggia Stadium, Mogliano Veneto, near Treviso.

The winners will go into group A with Wales and Ireland, who will meet in the opening group game at the University Sports Fields in Cardiff on the same day.

Group B opens with France taking on Greece at the Stade Georges Dartiailh in Marmande on April 13. There will be further group rounds in May and June with each nation allocated a home fixture.

The winners of each group will proceed to the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup, while the two second-placed teams will meet for a final play-off in October to decide who represents Europe in the inaugural 2025 World Series.

“We have seven very important and exciting fixtures set to take place over the early summer period,” said European Rugby League general manager David Butler. “There will be jeopardy from the start, with both Italy and Netherlands wanting to keep their involvement in the competition alive in the preliminary game and with the top two seeds clashing in each group to set a marker for the rest of the competition. It’s fantastic to see the commitment in Europe to the growth of the women’s game.”

Wales are running an open trial session for new players at the University Sports Fields (CF3 4JN) on Saturday, February 17 (10am-2pm).

With the World Cup qualifying campaign this Spring, it’s a fantastic opportunity to earn a place in the squad as Wales aim to qualify for the World Cup for the first time.

To be eligible, players must be born in Wales, have a Welsh parent/grandparent, or have lived in Wales for five years or more.

Anyone wanting to register for the trial session can do so at wrl.wales by 11.59pm next Wednesday. Those registering will be contacted with further details ahead of the session.