RLWC 2026, France, Tallis Eranossian, New Zealand Kiwi Ferns,

Author: Cameron Mee NRL Reporter
Timestamp: Fri 23 Oct 2026, 11:57 AM

France skipper Tallis Eranossian will complete a 16-year journey back to New Zealand when she leads her nation out for Sunday's clash with the Kiwi Ferns in Christchurch.

The utility was born in Auckland and grew up in New Zealand before her family moved to France when she was 15 years old.

There she quickly followed in the footsteps of her uncles who moved halfway across the world to chase their rugby league dream.

Eranossian’s international debut came in 2021, joining her uncles Andy Bentley and Kane Bentley, and cousin Jayne-Marie Bentley, in representing France on the world stage.

Papua New Guinea v France – Round 1, 2026

The captain’s journey will come full circle on Sunday afternoon when she runs on to a sold-out One NZ Stadium for the second match of France's IRL Rugby League World Cup campaign.

"I have no idea how I'm going to react [on Sunday]," Eranossian told NRL.com. "I've got a lot of family that will be there so I'm excited to play in front of them.

"I've been in France since I was 15 so pretty much half my life in France. New Zealand is still home but France has become home as well.

"I remember being a little kid in Auckland growing up and watching my uncles on TV. I was telling everyone my uncles are playing for France.

"They'd ask if I'm French, I'd say 'no but they live over there and are playing for France'. It's pretty special to now be playing for France as well."

Round 2 - Round 2 - Sunday 25 Oct

3:00 am

New Zealand

France

Venue: One NZ Stadium, Christchurch

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A teenager when her family moved to France, Eranossian quickly realised she was out of her comfort zone in her new home.

With limited French language skills, the teenager turned to sport to find a common bond with her classmates.

Rugby league provided a shared passion to connect over and Eranossian quickly progressed through the nation's pathway.

"I had done two years of French in school in New Zealand but everyone knows what it's like when you learn languages in school," Eranossian said.

"You don't come out with much. I had the basics of how to present myself but that was pretty much it. It was a crash course when I got there."

France are bracing for a physical challenge on Sunday afternoon against a New Zealand side desperate to improve on last week’s scratchy win over Fiji.

New Zealand v Fiji – Round 1, 2026

The French were outclassed by Papua New Guinea in their tournament opener, losing 58-4 in Port Moresby.

Eranossian recognises her side faces an uphill battle but is optimistic the experience will ultimately help women’s rugby league grow back in France.

"It's a massive opportunity for French rugby league," Eranossian said. "Just to see the professional level here and the talent at the international level.

"We're used to playing against England but we know the other teams are at another level with the competition in this country. We don't have that same level yet but we're working towards it and hopefully get more girls playing rugby league."