YORK Valkyrie will seek to retain their Women’s Nines title in the second edition of the competition this spring.

Lindsay Anfield’s charges have been drawn in Group Five, which will see them face Barrow Raiders Ladies and evolving sides Hull FC and Workington Town, as they aim for back-to-back titles.

In the inaugural competition last year, Tara Jane Stanley proved the difference between the Valkyrie and rivals Leeds Rhinos as they clinched a 7-0 victory to be crowned the first ever Women’s Nines champions.

The 12 Betfred Women’s Super League sides will be joined by ‘invitation’ teams including Cardiff Demons, Newcastle Thunder and the first Midlands-based side, Leamington Royals, in this year’s edition, with teams split into five groups.

The top team from each group, alongside one wildcard, will make it to the Nines’ Finals Day, which will be held at the AJ Bell Stadium, Salford, on Saturday, June 24.

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Nines Rugby League matches consist of two nine-minute halves. Five points are awarded for tries scored in the bonus zone under the posts, while drop-kicked conversions will add an extra two points to the score.

Up to 15 players make up a squad, with the option of unlimited interchanges from the six-player bench.

Matches will take place from 10am to 4pm, with free entry. Similar to last year’s edition, the competition is expected to have a festival feel, and will aim to highlight the women’s game through a series of educational workshops.  

Such is the growth of the women’s game across the country, the Midlands will be represented for the first time by invitational side Leamington, who have been drawn in a tough group against Warrington Wolves, Huddersfield Giants and a fourth team yet to be confirmed after the withdrawal of Catalans Dragons.

Last year’s runners-up Leeds will take on West Yorkshire rivals Bradford Bulls, Salford Red Devils and Cardiff Devils in Group Two, while reigning Betfred Challenge Cup holders St Helens will face off against Featherstone Rovers, Newcastle Thunder and Hull KR.

Tom Brindle, RFL Head of Development, said that they were “really excited to bring the Women’s Nines back to Victoria Park this year”, and that “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,” he added.

“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.”

  • Group One: Huddersfield Giants, Warrington Wolves, Leamington Royals, TBC
  • Group Two: Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls, Salford Red Devils, Cardiff Demons
  • Group Three: St Helens, Featherstone Rovers, Hull KR, Newcastle Thunder
  • Group Four: Wigan Warriors, Leigh Leopards, Castleford Tigers, London Broncos
  • Group Five: York Valkyrie, Barrow Raiders, Hull FC, Workington Town