Army and Leeds Rhinos star in contention for World Cup spot after inclusion in England squad

British Army rugby league's Captain Ella Donnelly has been selected as part of a 31-strong England national performance squad ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

The inclusion means Cpt Donnelly, who also plays for Leeds Rhinos, could make the cut and appear at the World Cup, which kicks off in Australia on 16 October.

The 21 Multi-Role Medical Regiment doctor will get the chance to impress with a number of training camps as well as a mid-season international against France in July.

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Cpt Donnelly has been a stand-out star for the Army and Leeds, who reached the Challenge Cup semi-finals and finished fourth in the Super League.

In 2019, she was part of the Army team who won the Challenge Shield, making history by becoming the first military team to win a domestic title in the game.