Successful finish to the season for regional Women’s Super League competitions

Telford Raiders and London Broncos emerged victorious as the Women’s Super League (WSL) Midlands and South competitions reached a climactic conclusion.  

Both competitions sit in tier two of the Rugby Football League’s national competition pyramid, which was announced earlier this year to continue the growth of Women’s and Girl’s Rugby League across the country.

In the WSL South Grand Final, London Broncos pulled off a stunning 22-10 win over Cardiff Demons to end the Welsh sides two-year grip on the competition, while Telford Raiders were crowned inaugural WSL Midlands champions after defeating Coventry Bears 34-18. 

Broncos went into half-time 12-6 up against the Demons, thanks to tries from Nicole Kennedy and Eleanor Hunt-Pain, and they continued their fine from in the remaining 40 minutes with Lauren Mueller scoring the final try of the game in the closing minutes to seal the victory.

London Broncos Head Coach, Colin Baker, says: “Our WSLS Grand Final Win was a culmination of three seasons of commitment, development and hard work and it was a reward for everyone who's been involved since day one or joined us along the way. 

“The game itself lived up to expectations of a battle between two evenly matched teams. Defensively, I thought we were outstanding, and to be fair, our defence has been consistently strong throughout the season. It was also great to see that what we have been practising in attack was executed well. 

“They deserve the win and all the plaudits they are getting for their performance. I am very proud of all the players.”

The WSL Midlands Grand Final between Telford Raiders and Coventry Bears 34-18 saw 11 tries scored by seven different players in an event was a brilliant showcase for the growth of women’s game in the region. 

The Raiders have taken the new competition by storm this year, earning an impressive top place finish in their first season together as a team, and now, they’re celebrating silverware after an impressive win in the Grand Final.

Telford Raiders coach, Fred Baker, says:

“The first ever WSL Midlands final was a great occasion and both teams did themselves and their clubs proud, Coventry pushed us all the way and made it a great contest. 

“I was thrilled at the way the team applied the skills and game knowledge they’ve learnt over the last few months, and I’m equally impressed with how they dealt with the adversity of losing teammates to injury. Whilst our pivots, player of the match Molly Shuttleworth, and halfback Alice Hodgkinson were superb, all the players stepped up to produce a great team performance. 

“Most importantly the team had a positive experience and we’re already planning our return next year.”

WSL Midlands and South sit alongside the Roses and North to complete tier two of the national competition pyramid. 

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 any of the regional competitions should contact Jodie.cunningham@rfl.co.uk