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Womens Rugby League

8 Jun 2021

Fixture announcement: Betfred Women’s Super League South

Fixture announcement: Betfred Women’s Super League South

Fixtures are announced today for inaugural Betfred Women’s Super League South, which gets underway on Saturday 19 June.

Six sides – Bedford Tigers, British Army, Cardiff, Cornish Rebels, Golden Ferns and London Broncos – will compete in two groups for a place in the semi-finals in August, with the final taking place on Sunday 29 August.

The East group gets underway on 19 June when British Army RL entertain London Broncos visit the entertain Bedford Tigers, with the West group kicking off a week later with Golden Ferns versus Cornish Rebels.  

Within each three-team group each side will play the other home and away, with the top two in each group contesting double-headers semi-finals on Saturday 14 August.

The introduction of the Betfred Women’s Super League South is a significant step forward in the development of women’s and girls’ Rugby League nationwide.

Marc Lovering, the RFL’s Director of Participation and Development, says:
“With a Challenge Cup Final, an international and the launch of a premier new competition in the south of England and south Wales, June is shaping up to be a momentous month for Women’s Rugby League.

“Five of the sides are new to Rugby League and I wish all six teams the very best for the season. I also thank title sponsors Betfred for their continued support for the game.”

“The introduction of the Women’s Super League in 2017 has been instrumental in providing an aspirational playing opportunity, raising the profile of the women’s game and providing girls with development opportunities. We are looking for the same impact through this new competition and the teams taking part will also have a focus on girls’ development ensuring sustainable pathways start to emerge.

“We will also see other activity taking place across the South this summer with more new teams playing Women’s Rugby League for the first time. I am confident that with the number of new teams getting involved we will quickly be able to establish a full pyramid beneath the Betfred Women’s Super League South. And with plans for a similar new competition in the North launching in 2022, our ultimate aim is to have a full national competition structure in place.”

About the teams

Bedford Tigers – with a strong track record in development work in the Bedfordshire area, access to existing talent pools, good facilities and ambitious plans for the future, the Tigers will be a valuable addition to the competition.

British Army – already well established in Women’s Rugby League with a strong pedigree and track record. A number of Army players have already made the move to existing Super League sides giving an indication of the quality that exists within our Armed Forces.

Cardiff – overseen by Wales Rugby League and based at the University of South Wales, the side will be coached by Ian Newbury, the Wales’s Women’s Assistant Coach, and will feature many of the players expected to feature in the England v Wales international later this year.

Cornish Rebels – the South West’s most decorated club with a thriving development section, the Rebels are based at Redruth and intend to play at the long-awaited Stadium for Cornwall due in 2023.

Golden Ferns – the Women’s section of the All Golds Rugby League Club, based at the superb South Gloucestershire and Stroud College.

London Broncos – the most successful professional club in the south, with aspirations to compete at the elite level of the women’s game as they have done for many years in the men’s game.

Any other teams interesting in taking part in Women’s Rugby league in the South of England should contact Southern Regional Manager Stephen.Guan@rfl.uk.com for help and guidance.

Fixtures: East

  • 19 June: Army RL v London Broncos
  • 3 July: Bedford Tigers v London Broncos
  • 10 July: Bedford Tigers v Army RL
  • 24 July: London Broncos v Army RL
  • 31 July: Army RL v Bedford Tigers
  • 7 August: London Broncos v Bedford Tigers

Fixtures: West

  • 26 June: Golden Ferns v Cornish Rebels
  • 3 July: Golden Ferns v Cardiff Demons
  • 10 July: Cornish Rebels v Cardiff Demons
  • 24 July: Cornish Rebels v Golden Ferns
  • 31 July: Cardiff Demons v Cornish Rebels
  • 7 August: Cardiff Demons v Golden Ferns

Play-offs

  • 14 August: Semi-finals
  • 29 August: Betfred Women’s Super League South Final