The opening round of RLWC 2026 delivered an emotional contrast for England, marked by a week of distinct highs and lows across both the men's and women's squads in the Rugby League World Cup. With both sides taking to the field in the first round of the tournament, the opening week generated vastly differing fortunes for the nation.
The high point of the round belonged emphatically to the England women, who produced a sensational showing against Wales women. In a dominant first-round display, England women secured a massive 70-4 victory, completely controlling the contest to register one of the week's most lopsided scorelines.
However, that resounding success was followed by a difficult outcome for the England men's team in their round-one fixture. Squaring off against Tonga, England found themselves on the wrong end of the result, ultimately falling to a tough 30-12 loss.
From the heights of England women's massive 70-4 win over Wales women to the low of a tough 30-12 defeat against Tonga, the first round of the Rugby League World Cup provided an immediate week of extremes for England men and women alike.