Saturday August 4 will be a significant day for Women’s rugby in Leeds as Leeds Rhinos Women compete in their first ever Challenge Cup Final against Castleford Tigers and Stanningley Ladies take on Bradford Bulls in the Women’s Challenge Shield at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
The Rhinos team are captained by Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s women and girls development officer, Lois Forsell, who believes that women's rugby in the city is in a good place.
“I have worked in schools and clubs supporting women’s rugby league for many years now and I would say the women’s game is stronger than it has ever been. One great example of this was the success of the Corpus Christi girls team, who were the first Leeds team to ever win a Champions Schools Final. Also, it will be great to share the stage with another Leeds team, Stanningley who have had a great season and have done so much for the women’s game in Leeds.
“Community clubs in Leeds do outstanding work to offer opportunities for women and girls to play rugby league and they should be proud of the role they have played in developing many of the Rhinos players who will play in the Challenge Cup Final on Sunday and I would like to thank them for their support.
"I think Saturday is going to be a great occasion, I have loved playing rugby from the first time I played at East Leeds, and I am thrilled to get the chance to play in the final and hopefully we can bring the trophy back to Emerald Headingley. I would like to wish all the players at Stanningley good luck for their final and hopefully it will be a double celebration for the city of Leeds on Saturday."
Leeds Rhinos Foundation is continuing to support the progression of players and in August they ran a development programme for 16-19 year-olds at Oulton Raiders which was supported by Rhinos star Cameron and this will be followed by another at East Leeds Rugby Club on the October 8, where there will be coached by Leeds Rhinos Women’s players.
“We’re looking to expand the women’s game and get more girls involved at an earlier age,” added Forsell. “By running these sessions we are offering the chance for girls that may not have tried rugby to have a go and possibly replicate the successes of our under 19s and the first team.”
Tickets for the Final cannot be purchased in advance – fans can only pay cash on the day. Prices are £5 for adults and concessions (seniors citizens 65 & over, student and serving military) and free for juniors aged 16 & under.