Rugby League’s annual Women’s Nines Finals is heading for Hull on Sunday 28 July, where six teams will battle for the title at Sewell Group Craven Park.
The six sides include wildcard entries Huddersfield Giants and Leeds Rhinos, alongside Cardiff Demons, St Helens, Wigan Warriors and York Valkyrie, who came through the qualifiers at Warrington’s Victoria Park in May.
Leeds Rhinos lifted their first Women’s Nines trophy last year after easing through the group stage, including a 36-0 win over Warrington Wolves. The Rhinos then comfortably saw off St Helens 14-4 in the semi-final, before holding off the Warriors to win a pulsating final 21-8.
But the holders have endured a rockier road to Finals Day this time around. Lois Forsell’s side faced St Helens at Victoria Park in May, where with tries from Katie Mottershead and Leah Burke guided Saints to a crucial 11-6 victory. Matty Smith’s side then went on to defeat Telford Raiders and Leamington Royals to secure their finals place on Saturday week.
Cardiff Demons once again demonstrated their strength as they went on to win all three of their qualifying matches, including impressive wins against Betfred Women’s Super League sides Barrow Raiders and Featherstone Rovers. Those results mean that Wales will be represented at Finals Day for the second time since the Nines competition was introduced in 2022.
York Valkyrie, the first team to lift the Women’s Rugby League Nines trophy, topped qualifying Group 1 with two wins and a draw. They had to come from behind to beat Warrington Wolves 9-13 and secured a 12-all draw against Leigh Leopards through bonus point tries from Sian Judd and Evie Sexton.
Wigan Warriors progressed with three wins from three. The Warriors breezed past Salford Red Devils, Huddersfield Giants and London Broncos and will be hoping they can go one step further this time round having lost out to Leeds in last year’s final.
Matches are played over two nine-minute halves, with five points for a try scored in the bonus zone under the posts and two for a drop-kicked conversion attempt. Golden point extra time will be played for elimination matches only. Squads will consist of up to 15 players, with unlimited interchanges allowed from a six-strong bench.
Betfred Women's Super League General Manager Thomas Brindle said:
“We’re really excited to bring the Women’s Nines Finals Day to Hull this year. Both Hull KR and Hull FC have been making excellent progress with their women’s teams, so I’m sure July 28 will be a fantastic occasion.
"Going into the qualifying tournament we had a process in place which would determine the two wildcard spots, which in the first instance were the highest placed non-qualifying teams. Good luck to both Leeds Rhinos and Huddersfield Giants and all of our other participants.
“I’d encourage all fans to come along and enjoy the day. Nines is a fast and exciting variation so it should be an entertaining event.”
Fans will be able to pay on the door at Sewell Group Craven Park on Sunday 28 July with entrance £6 for adults and £4 for children. Further information such as the groups and fixtures announced next week.
Orrell St James set to host Women’s Rugby League Cup & Plate Finals
And there’s more Women’s Rugby League to enjoy this Sunday (21 July), when Orrell St James hosts the League Cup and Plate finals.
Thatto Heath Crusaders have won seven of their eight League 1 games this season and will face fifth placed Widnes Vikings in the Cup (KO 3pm).
League 2 side Workington Town could cause an upset when they take on Leigh Miners Rangers, who sit a division above them, in the Plate (KO 1pm).
League Cup Finals – Widnes Vikings vs Thatto Heath Crusaders (3pm)
League Plate Finals – Workington Town vs Leigh Miners Rangers (1pm)
