WHAT IS IT?
The 2022 RFL Women’s Nines pool matches were held at Victoria Park, Warrington, on May 1. There were five pools of four teams. This Sunday marks the finals of that competition, with a Nines women’s champion for England and France to be crowned for the first time after six play-off matches, semi-finals and a final. This competition marks the Rugby Football League’s biggest foray into the abbreviated version of the sport since the British Coal Nines in 1988. While the pool matches represented a carnival rather than a purely spectator-focused tournament, this is more serious with £5 entry being charged.
WHO IS PLAYING IN IT?
The five qualifiers were: Catalans, Leeds, Huddersfield, St Helens and York. Warrington were also undefeated on home turf in May and have been awarded a Wildcard into this Sunday’s event. Play begins at 10.45am and the final kicks off at 2.50pm.
WHERE IS IT ON?
AJ Bell Stadium is the home ground of Super League side Salford Red Devils. The stadium is situated at Barton, off the M60, junction 11 with the postcode of M30 7LJ. Buses from Manchester city centre are the numbers 10, 67 and 100. The bus from the Trafford Centre is no. 100 to Liverpool Road, Irlam. The nearest train stations are Irlam and Patricroft. For both stations walk to Liverpool Road and take the number 67 bus.
WHAT ARE THE RULES?
Games are played in nine-minute halves. Tries are worth four points – or five if scored in the bonus area near the posts. Conversions, worth two points, are taken by drop-kicks. For this tournament, squad sizes are unlimited but 15 players must be named for each game. There will be no touch judges. Sin bins last three minutes.
WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING ON THE DAY?
Young fans will be encourage to interact with the players throughout the day. A full programme of events is currently being finalised.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET IN?
£5 via THIS ticket link.
Image: Will Palmer/SW Pix
