FRANCE captain Elisa Akpa has returned to York Valkyie for the remainder of the 2023 season from Catalan Goddesses.

Akpa made four appearances for Lindsay Anfield’s outfit last season, in which she helped York to a maiden League Leaders’ Shield with a 22-14 victory over fierce Betfred Women’s Super League rivals Leeds Rhinos.

She was also a part of the Valkyrie side that earned a spot in their first ever Women’s Super League Grand Final after beating Wigan Warriors 12-4 in the Play-Off Semi Finals before being defeated by Leeds by the same scoreline at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

York Press: Akpa in action for York against Wigan Warriors last year.Akpa in action for York against Wigan Warriors last year. (Image: Richard Sellers/PA)

A versatile forward, Akpa can play in both the front row and back row and was promoted to France’s captain in March having impressed during her three appearances at the Women’s World Cup.

She first signed for York from Catalan in August 2022 after the sides' joint training camp in the south of France.

Director of rugby Anfield was delighted to have bolstered her forward line with Akpa’s return.

”Elisa has been wanting to come back to York since the end of last season, but moving to another country is not a straight forward process," she explained.

“We’re delighted that she has now made the move to York and we’re looking forward to welcoming her back to the squad."

Read next:

Having won silverware with the Valkyrie last season, the 31-year-old believes that she also has unfinished business in the city.

”I’m so excited to be back at York, it’s really wonderful and I’m so grateful," she enthused.

“I had an amazing time at York last year, winning the League Leaders’ Shield and playing for France in the World Cup in York, so it was really important to be back here.

“I really enjoyed being in the group last year, we were all really close and everyone was there for each other. It’s a great club for me.

“After the Grand Final last year, I feel like I have not finished something here. I want to finish that this year. 

“But, first I need to work really hard in training for the coach and for the team to win my shirt and my place on the field.”

Akpa could be in contention to make her second debut for York in their Women’s Super League clash at basement side Huddersfield Giants on Sunday (11am), where the Valkyrie will be hoping to maintain their 100 per cent league record.

Their only loss of 2023 came at the hands of Wigan in the Women’s Nines Semi Finals last month, a defeat they avenged in style with a 40-6 thrashing at the LNER Community Stadium last weekend.