Scene set at Leamington for Saturday’s inaugural Women’s Super League Midlands Grand Final

The inaugural Women’s Super League (WSL) Midlands Grand Final will take place at Leamington RFC this Saturday (19 August), with Coventry Bears poised to take on Telford Raiders (KO 1pm.)

WSL Midlands was both launched earlier this year alongside WSL North to complete tier two of the Rugby Football League’s national competition pyramid. Coventry and Telford have been confirmed as the very first Midland’s finalists after finishing the regular season in first and second place.

The Bears made their return to the women’s game this season, much to the delight of the club who have seen a surge in interest since the Rugby League World Cup. Head coach Alan Robinson has been ‘blown away’ by the teams’ efforts this year.

“It’s been tough with so many players new to Rugby League” admits Alan, “but everyone has enjoyed it immensely. We started the team from scratch this summer, so from a handful of rookies attending training to now playing in a Grand Final is an unbelievable achievement for everyone involved.

“To be crowned champions in our first year would be amazing and we are fully focused on giving ourselves the best chance possible to perform. Hopefully this will be enough to carry us through.” 

With this season taking on a festival format, Coventry ended with an impressive 22 points and Alan believes they have a great foundation going forward. “Hopefully next season we will be in a stronger position to play more games and have a larger squad. The main lesson learned this year has been to keep everyone engaged weekly in training and developing players knowledge of the game. This should hopefully stand us in good stead for the future.” 

Telford Raiders have taken the new competition by storm this year, earning an impressive top place finish in their first season together as a team. 

“The whole experience has been really positive”, says head coach Fred Baker. “We've enjoyed building our team and forming relationships with players and coaches from the other clubs. The Telford girls have grown and developed individually and as a team as the season has progressed, and as a coach you can't really ask for more than that.

“If we get the win on Saturday it would be the icing on the cake of a really enjoyable first season, but win or lose, we want every player to finish the year with the same level of positivity they've shown throughout, and to come back in 2024 with the same mindset!”

In a region that is typically known for its Rugby Union, Fred and his team have learnt plenty of new lessons switching codes. “We've learnt so much about what the players wanted to get out of the playing experience, how we as a club and coaches could best deliver that and what it is that will encourage them to come back next year. 

“We've definitely found that it is possible to deliver to a group with a wide range of ability and experience, and to expect lots of challenging and interesting questions on the 'how' and 'why' of Rugby League. The whole learning experience will stand us in good stead for season 2024.”

Saturday’s fixture will take place at Leamington Royals RFC with the action kicking off at 1pm before the Men’s Midlands Premier Division Grand Final which will also include Telford Raiders taking on Birmingham Bulldogs (KO 2.30pm). Entry to the event is free.

The Betfred Women’s Super League will expand to a single, eight-team competition in 2024, underpinned by four feeder leagues in the North, Roses, Midlands and South – establishing a pathway for ambitious clubs from all parts of the UK to earn promotion to the elite level. Prospective new clubs for either the Midlands or South competition should contact Jodie.cunningham@rfl.co.uk

Finals Day at Leamington Royals RFC, CV32 6RG

• WSL Midland’s Grand Final – Coventry Bears v Telford Raiders (KO 1pm)
• Men’s Midlands Premier Division Grand Final – Birmingham Bulldogs v Telford Raiders (KO 2.30pm)