VANESSA Temple is one of the 32 players named in the England Women National Performance Squad for the 2019 season.

The former Millom School pupil was part of the England team which beat France 54-4 in Carcassone last October, having played a key role in helping Wigan Warriors claim the inaugural Women's Super League title.

Temple and the other 19 players from the squad which won in France have been retained in the performance set-up by head coach Craig Richards, along with five newcomers.

Full details of the England Women team's fixtures for the coming year will be announced in due course.

It is one of a growing number of honours Broughton native Temple has achieved in her career, with the second row having previously represented and captained England in Australian Rules football too.

She has proven to be a versatile rugby player too, with her commitments with league giants Wigan combined with playing in the backs for Tyrells Premier 15s side Waterloo in union.

Temple was on duty in the 13-player code over the weekend as the Warriors, coached by Ulverstonian Amanda Wilkinson, began the defence of their Super League crown with a derby clash against St Helens.

However, a close-fought contest saw Wigan edged out 6-4 by a late penalty goal from Saints having led through an unconverted try.