Wigan Warriors star Meg Williams savouring first World Cup experience - ‘Enjoying every second’

Wigan Warriors forward Meg Williams says she is savouring every moment of her first Rugby League World Cup after earning a place in England’s squad for the tournament.

The 2026 campaign has been a memorable one for Williams, who helped Wigan retain the Challenge Cup at Wembley and the League Leaders’ Shield before being named among the final three nominees for the Woman of Steel award.

The loose forward has now taken the next step in her career by representing England at the World Cup, admitting her surprise at pulling on the England shirt.

“It’s just unreal, to be honest,” Williams said. “I wasn’t expecting to play, so it’s a massive shock, but I’m really made up - proud of myself and proud of my teammates - and hopefully we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.”

Williams described receiving the call to confirm her place in the World Cup squad as one of the best feelings of her life, having dreamed of representing her country since childhood.

“It was one of the best feelings in the world,” she said. “It was a mixture of relief and excitement.

“You can’t really put into words what it means because you’ve worked so hard and it’s like been a dream of mine since I was a little kid, so it was just amazing.”

Williams is one of nine Wigan players in England’s World Cup squad, giving her the chance to share the experience with familiar faces while learning from some of the established names in the women’s game.

“It’s been amazing,” she added. “I look up to all the girls in our squad.

“I feel like we’ve got a really strong group of girls, amazing leaders, and I think it’s great that we have them in the camp because we learn from each other, especially in training and stuff - we’re like coaching each other - so it’s just been amazing.”

She has also praised the atmosphere within the England camp, saying the players have quickly settled into their surroundings.

“Everyone is getting along really well,” Williams added. “It’s been really easy to be myself and be comfortable, which is priceless to have that kind of environment, so I think it is going to be an amazing few weeks – the girls are just brilliant.”

Reflecting on a year that has brought silverware with Wigan, a nomination for the Woman of Steel award and her first World Cup, Williams said she was determined not to take the opportunity Down Under for granted.

“It’s just been an incredible year - one of the best years of my life,” she said.

“It’s just gone so well for us, and I’ve learned so much. I’m not taking anything for granted - every day I’ve woken up in camp, I’m like, ‘I can’t believe I’m here’. I’m just enjoying every second I’ve got.”