Following the success of the inaugural Women’s Super League in 2018, the Rugby Football League are delighted to announce that Wakefield Trinity will take part in the elite level competition in 2019.
Adding to an already impressive line-up, they will join Bradford Bulls, Castleford Tigers, Featherstone Rovers, Leeds Rhinos, St Helens, Wigan Warriors and York City Knights for next year’s campaign, taking the total number of teams involved to eight.
Trinity were the first-ever Super League club to adopt a women’s team back in 2016 – entering the Women’s Championship the following year.
This season they were crowned Women’s Championship League Leader’s and have worked hard to further develop the game in order to join the Women’s Super League.
Head coach Wayne Hirst said, “We are really looking forward to making the big step up to Super League next season. The girls really deserve the opportunity now.
“When I came in it was the right decision to stay in the Championship for another year and after winning the Championship last season I know they are ready.
“It’ll be tough but we’ve just got to work hard each week and that will pay off. We have a great mix of youth and experience in our current squad and the recruitment process for next year is already underway.”
Wakefield’s promotion to WSL is one of a number of achievements for the Women’s and Girls game so far this year.
The great work of clubs and foundations and the new girls’ growth programme including regional hubs and a new national camp; and the inspiration of the Women’s Super League, Women’s Championship and the England Women’s national side has led to an increase in the number of girls playing Rugby League of around 40% and the number of women players increasing by 11.6% from 2017.
In 2019, the Women’s game will become bigger and better with an extended campaign alongside ‘This Girl Can’ to support clubs, schools and colleges to encourage more girls and women into Rugby League.
Expressions of interest to join the Women’s Championship next year are expected to increase as more professional clubs become involved in the game, offering more vibrant games and competition across all levels as we build towards the Rugby League World Cup 2021.
The 2019 Women’s Super League fixtures and full calendar, including Challenge Cup games and finals will be announced early next year.
Wakefield Trinity have an open trial lined up for Saturday 8thDecember, any players interested should register via this link >> https://wtladies2019trial.eventbrite.co.uk
All expressions of of interest to take part in the Women’s Championship must be submitted by contacting Becky Redfearn becky.redfearn@rfl.co.ukby January 31st.
