The Girls RL Cup Finals took place on Saturday 24th October at Victoria Park, Warrington and featured four fantastic fixtures, despite the wet and windy conditions.
Bentley were crowned the Under 13s Cup Winners, with a 10-4 victory over Fryston Warriors. Thatto Heath Crusaders took the title at Under 14s, winning 20-2 against Shaw Cross Sharks; whilst Hull Kingston Rovers continued their dominance at Under 15s, defeating Culcheth Eagles 18-6. The final match of the day, saw Drighlington also complete the treble this season, in a closely fought out encounter with Leigh Miners Rangers, with the score ending 16-10.
Whilst a storm threatened to dampen the quality of rugby on display, there was no evidence to suggest that this was the case. The eight teams displayed the talent and development of Girls Rugby League, with so much to be excited for in the future as the standard improves year on year.
The 2026 season now draws to a close, and it has seen continued growth across the Girls League. There are now over 200 teams actively taking part, and an increase in over 300 participants compared to 2025. We have seen over 4000 registered participants in the 2026 season, and over 1500 games played. With the RLWC currently taking place, it seems fitting to look back at the figures during the 2022 tournament, to note the growth and improvement. In 2022, there were 735 games played, and 2415 registered participants. Again, showing there is much to look forward to and be motivated by for the future.
Whilst the figures are impressive, there are plenty of other successes to highlight, including the distribution of League Winners across regions. Across the 16 competitive divisions in the Girls League, we had a different club crowned as the League Winner for each this season. There were winners at different age groups from Cumbria, Hull, the North West and Yorkshire, demonstrating not only the growth of the game but the wide spread of talent on display across the counties.
Chair of the Girls League Management Group, Pat Crawshaw, stated: "This season I have been pleased to note that yet again the overall standards of play within all age groups has improved. This was to be seen in the two sets of well contested finals, the Grand Finals and the Cup Competition. The Girls Hubs games showed how the player’s ability and fitness have moved on and the selection for the DiSE programme has been the hardest yet.
All this is down to the hard work and commitment of the coaches and club volunteers without whom none of this would happen. A big "thank you" to all concerned.
As we move forward it is worth pointing out that clubs are not only developing playing ability but nurturing the girls as individuals. By the varied activities and opportunities that clubs are offering, the girls are building lasting relationships and growing in confidence as people. This to me is very important and long may it continue."
Congratulations to the 2026 League and Cup Winners:
Like this story, share it...
