MORE transfers are in the pipeline for York Valkyrie ahead of the 2024 season, but director of rugby Lindsay Anfield insists that they will not come from their Betfred Women’s Super League rivals.
Winger Eboni Partington is their only addition thus far, making the move over from St Helens alongside boyfriend, York Knights hooker Taylor Pemberton.
Partington brings with her notable pedigree, having made a name for herself as one of the sport’s rising stars for both Saints and, more recently, England.
At the tender age of 21, she already has the League Leaders’ Shield, Women’s Super League Grand Final and a trio of Betfred Women’s Challenge Cups – including the first to be held under Wembley’s famous arch in August – to her name.
“Eboni, she’s come over to us this season and fitted in right away,” Anfield enthused to The Press of the young talent’s first few weeks with the Valkyrie.
“She’s young, exciting and has a really good work ethic, and she’s come across with Taylor having also signed for the Knights.”
Leeds Rhinos, York’s opponents in a thrilling Grand Final in October, have turned to their Women’s Super League rivals for their new signings, namely bringing in both utility back Liv Whitehead and prop Grace Field from the Valkyrie, and Shona Hoyle from St Helens.
But Anfield is quick to admit that is not how she wishes to conduct the rest of York’s transfer business.
“We’re looking more for players coming cross-code and from further afield,” she explained.
“Taking from other clubs in the Women’s Super League, that isn’t the way that we do it.”
There are new signings on the horizon for the Valkyrie, however, as well as some old faces returning.
Forward Elisa Akpa is set to return to York from her native France, as will centre Carrie Roberts, who starred in an impressive stint towards the end of the season after time away from the game.
An unnamed Fijian player is also set to link up with York for 2024 as they begin their preparations in the new year.
In the meantime, Anfield is hoping to regain her side's fitness as she begins to ease them back into light training.
“We’ve started getting the girls all back together,” she continued. “And then we’re back in fully on January 8.
“So far, we’ve been training one night a week at York St John’s University, and also in Knottingley, which has been something a bit different from normal gym work.”
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