Fran Goldthorp is “living the dream” as she prepares to represent England on home soil again in Wednesday’s final World Cup group game against Papua New Guinea at Headingley. The Leeds Rhinos star, 19, has scored tries in both of England’s games so far against Brazil and Canada, with two thumping wins having sealed their semi-final spot.
For multi-talented Goldthorp, who showed huge promise in cricket and rugby union before opting for rugby league, belief is growing that Craig Richards’ side can go all the way and become crowned world champions. “I still don’t think it’s properly sunk in that I’m playing for England at a home World Cup,” Goldthorp told Leeds Live.
“It probably will once the tournament is over, but for us as women to be able to train and play together for England and put our names out there is amazing. We’re living the dream, we really are, and it’s incredible to be seen as role models for young girls. I got noticed in Homebase the other day when one of the staff came up to me and said ‘you’re Fran Goldthorp aren’t you?’
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“That was such a mad experience but it was funny and the best feeling is when young kids ask for your autograph after games. That’s what we’re here to do – to hopefully inspire them – and winning the World Cup would be the best way to do that. Australia and New Zealand are obviously here to prove a point but the talent, the desire and the attitude of our squad gives me the belief that we can go all the way. I firmly believe that as the big games approach.”
Meeting the Princess of Wales during last Saturday’s double-header at Wigan merely added to the excitement for Richards’ squad. England captain Emily Rudge and Jodie Cunningham sat between the former Duchess of Cambridge during the men’s romp against Papua New Guinea.
Goldthorp explained: “We met the Princess at half-time of the men’s game. She came into the box we were in, said hello to everyone, and we were all just gobsmacked – it was insane. It was a very surreal moment but a great feeling and then Rudgey and Jodie got to sit next to her. They even got a selfie with the Princess. They asked her and she said yes, so you’ve got to take your chances!”
Goldthorp, a natural sportswoman who calls herself a “very competitive person”, also played hockey at secondary school and represented West Yorkshire in netball. She is currently in the first year of a degree in sport and exercise science at Loughborough University.
“I’ve been involved in sport all the way through childhood, so I definitely want to keep doing that when I finally graduate,” said Goldthorp, who has three older brothers, one of whom, Eliot, plays football on a scholarship in America. "The fact that Leeds Rhinos are paying us from next season just shows that they are backing us and achieve our goals.”
The England men’s team infamously flopped at the 2008 World Cup with a squad dominated by Leeds and St Helens players, which led to a bitter divide within the camp. The current women’s side is similarly packed with stars from both clubs but versatile Goldthorp who says full-back is her favourite position, said they could not be more united.
She explained: “Going into camp, we were worried about it but we’re just such a tight-knit group. There are so many different characters in the squad but weirdly it all fits together so well.
“I’m obviously close to all the Leeds girls but I’m sharing a room with Georgia Wilson at the moment and Amy Hardcastle is like a mother figure to us all. Paige Travis and Vicky Molyneux are great as well but I get on with everyone. We’re a young group and we’re hungry for success.”
Papua New Guinea look certain to provide a far stiffer test than England’s two previous opponents at the World Cup. Lindsey Burrow, the wife of Headingley legend Rob Burrow, presented the jerseys to Richards’ players ahead of the Papua New Guinea clash.
“PNG are a very physical side with a strong pack, so they will be our toughest opponents yet, but we’re confident and for me personally it’s great to be playing at Headingley again,” said Goldthorp. “You obviously get nervous before a game but being at Headingley calms you down a bit. It’s a home from home for me and I love it.”
Goldthorp was one of the central figures in a recent BBC television documentary about the England women’s squad as they battled for a World Cup spot. It showed the closeness of the relationship with her grandmother and Goldthorp said: “I enjoyed watching it. They obviously picked certain people out to highlight their stories but the way they put it together was really good.”
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