Fran Goldthorp’s journey from childhood Leeds Rhinos fan to a key role in England women’s World Cup campaign will continue tonight when she steps out in front of an expected crowd of more than 16,000 at her beloved Headingley.
With her grandfather, father and brother having all played cricket for Yorkshire, the 19-year-old Leeds centre features in the tournament’s opening match with Brazil.
Goldthorp, who captained Yorkshire’s cricket team at junior level but honed her love for rugby league having stood on the terraces of the famous ground since the age of six, said: ‘Having seen all those great players and now to get the chance to represent my country here is such a special honour.’
The teenager hopes the World Cup can raise the profile of the women’s game, backed by initiatives such as Leeds becoming the first British club to pay women players win bonuses and other ‘meritocratic’ payments.
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