RFL President and Speaker of the House of Commons celebrates Women’s History Month

Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons and President of the RFL, hosted his first-ever Women’s History Month event at Speakers House in London last week ahead of International Women’s Day (IWD).

In his opening address Sir Lindsay emphasised the importance of occasions such as IWD and Women’s History Month, and in championing the progress being made in sport made special reference to the England Women’s Rugby League team and their run to last year’s World Cup semi-finals. 

Guests at the historic event included four women who have dedicated their lives to Rugby League: former Great Britain international Lisa McIntosh; RFL Vice-President and BARLA Chair Sue Taylor; retired match official Julia Lee; and England international Keara Bennett.

Lisa McIntosh is thought to have been the first black woman to captain a British team when she was co-captain for the 1996 Ashes tour and then in sole charge for a trip to New Zealand two years later. And Lisa made history last year when she was inducted into the prestigious Women's Rugby League Hall of Fame. The former Bradford forward is thrilled that the President of the RFL is so enthusiastic to celebrate women’s history. 

“It was so refreshing to listen to Sir Lindsay’s speech” said Lisa, “and hear him speak so passionately about the importance of women’s history – especially given that he is now President of the RFL.

“He made sure to mention the England Women’s team and it made me realise how far we have come in the last 12 months. Myself, Brenda Dobek, and Sally Milburn were all inducted into the Hall of Fame last year which was incredible, and myself and over 100 former players received our caps and heritage number because of the Pride of Lionesses heritage project. 

“It’s been a huge year for the women’s game and its history, and it can only get better”.

Keara Bennett is currently in pre-season training with Leeds Rhinos, and Women’s History Month has given her time to reflect on her career and on how much of this she owes to former players who have paved the way for the current generation. 

“I travelled to London with Lisa” said Keara, “and it was amazing to hear some of her Rugby League stories from the past. She is a pioneer. Players of her generation went through really difficult times to get us to where we are now and I am so grateful for that. 

“It’s been amazing to attend this event because it’s important to acknowledge those that have come before us, and I think players of past and present coming together to do that is really powerful.”

Women’s History Month recognises the achievements of female academics, adventurers, and activists, who have defined society as we know it but are regularly left out of school curriculums and industry discussions and is observed annually in the month of March.