By STEVE MASCORD
AFTER a successful maiden season last year, the RFL Women’s Nines return to Warrington’s Victoria Park on Sunday week.
While there are new teams from areas such as the Midlands, Catalans Goddesses will not be crossing the channel because the May 14 date clashes with the semi-finals of the French domestic competition.
However, of the five pools announced by the Rugby Football League, there is a ‘TBC’ in one group.
The 12 Women’s Super League sides are to be joined by invitational teams including Leamington Royals, Cardiff Demons, Newcastle Thunder, London Broncos and Workington Town.
The top team in each of the groups – plus one wildcard – make it through the finals at AJ Bell Stadium on June 24.
Defending champs York are drawn alongside Barrow, Hull FC and Workington.
RFL head of development Tom Brindle said: “We’re really excited to bring the Women’s Nines back to Victoria Park this year. Nines is an exciting spectacle, and we’ll see lots of fantastic players showcasing their skills at both Warrington and Salford.
“We found that the festival approach last year was really successful so we will be replicating this at the event on May 14 and anyone is welcome to come and enjoy the day. There will be lots of fun activities available as well as some quality Rugby League, so it should be a great day.
“Throughout the event, we’ll also be hosting workshops that cover different aspects of the game and, we are pleased to announce that England Women Assistant Coach, Derek Hardman, will be leading one of these sessions and will be sharing invaluable insight into what life as a Rugby League coach is like.
“The workshops were really popular last year so I would encourage people to get signed up now to avoid disappointment.”
Image: SWpix
