The 2026 Women and Girls season has seen the game progress in leaps and bounds, with new teams, titles and experiences at all levels of the game.
In the Education season, the Year 10 Girls Champion Schools Final made its return to Magic Weekend, with Liberty Academy claiming the title after a dominant performance against St John Fisher, Dewsbury at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. In the Year 7 Girls event, a new champion emerged in the form of Welsh school Ysgol Gyfun Plasmawr, who had an incredible run in their debut season to claim the top honours at the National Final in Goole.
Leeds Academy came back with a vengeance after a shaky start to the season to claim the title in the Girls College League over a consistent Halifax Panthers side from Calderdale College.
Meanwhile, Northumbria University completed their hat-trick of titles in the Women’s University League after yet another dominant season.
The 2026/27 education season kicks off this week, with 21 Girls college teams registered to take part – nearly doubling last year’s participation. The university season is also rapidly approaching with the first ever Women’s BUCS Rugby League event at the Women’s University 9s next month.
In the Community Girls space, the game continues to grow rapidly, with over 90 clubs now offering a Girls’ team, and a total of over 200 Girls' teams across the community leagues.
A massive congratulations to Thatto Heath Crusaders, Hull KR and Drighlington who secured the Girls League Premier titles for U14s, U15s and U16s respectively.
The Women’s Nines competition is also set to return in 2027. After another highly successful iteration in 2026 which saw Leeds Rhinos crowned champions, and Rochdale Hornets taking out the Community Grade title, the celebration of Women’s Rugby League is set to return in May 2027.
The Nine is the ultimate celebration of the Women’s game, with teams from across the Super League, Championship and Community game all taking part, to put on a fast-paced, skilful and exciting display of Rugby League.
After a successful 2026, Women’s Nines will return on Saturday 29th May 2027 (Bank Holiday Weekend).
Make sure you save the date, and watch this space for the venue announcement and team entries opening!
