Whilst the Women’s League is now in full swing, with many teams competing in the Challenge Shield and Plate competitions, there is even more to look forward to as the opening round of the Women’s National Championship gets underway this weekend.
Cardiff Demons travel to London Broncos on Sunday 29th March for what, based on previous seasons, is set to be a closely fought thrilling match.
The National Championship will feature 12 teams this season, with Widnes Vikings promoted from Northern League One last year and Warrington Wolves joining from the Women’s Super League. Round 1 of the Women's League calendar brings local rivals together as they battle for important early points. Whilst most teams begin their season on Sunday 19th April, two fixtures will take place over the coming weekends, including Manchester Swinton Lionesses facing Salford RLFC on Sunday 5th April as part of a showcase double-header alongside the Men’s Betfred Championship fixture.
The National Championship Grand Final winners will progress to the Promotion Play-Off for a chance to earn a place in the Betfred Women’s Super League once again, with the fixture scheduled for Sunday 27th September.
Northern Leagues One, Two and Three will also commence on Sunday 19th April, with more teams than ever competing across the league structure for promotion through the pyramid. With fresh rivalries emerging and established ones reignited, supporters can expect plenty of action to enjoy throughout the season.
Ahead of their opening round fixture, Head Coaches of Cardiff Demons and London Broncos shared their thoughts:
Cardiff Demons Head Coach, Ian Newbury, expressed: “Pre-season has been tough, and the players are ready to show what they have been working on, re-igniting elements of our game that went missing at times last year. Every year the standard of competition gets harder, and we have to evolve to keep up.
"London has become our closest and fiercest rival. The games are always competitive and give us a real litmus test of where we are every year.”
London Broncos Head Coach, Colin Baker, stated: “This is an exciting time for London Broncos Women, we have a new training/playing venue, a new leadership team, new kit and whilst it has been a transitional period, the players have enjoyed their pre-season and are keen to get cracking. Like everyone else, we are back to the bottom of the mountain looking up at what is ahead, so anything is possible.
"Cardiff are first up on Sunday and we expect nothing less than a tough game against our oldest opponents, as it’s a double header with the Men's Reserves it will be a great day of rugby league at Hazelwood!”
To stay up to date with all the Women's results and league tables, please visit the Rugby League Match Centre.
