YORK Valkyrie have completed the double signing of half-back Lucy Eastwood and centre Manqualo Komaitai.

The pair are York's second and third signings ahead of the new campaign, following winger Eboni Partington through the doors at the LNER Community Stadium.

Eastwood joins the Valkyrie from fellow Betfred Women's Super League side Warrington Wolves, where she scored twice in six appearances last year.

Her move to York sees her reunite with director of rugby Lindsay Anfield five years on from the pair's League Leaders' Shield triumph with Castleford Tigers.

The former England Students international also featured in the 2018 Betfred Women's Challenge Cup Final and 2019 Women's Super League Grand Final during her time at the Tigers.

Anfield has been impressed with Eastwood's development, and hopes that she will provide more competition for regular half-back pairing Liv Gale and Sade Rihari.

“I’ve coached Lucy before at Castleford and England Students and she is a really skilful player who has a real in-depth understanding of the game," she enthused.

"She seems to be loving the environment here and I’m sure she’ll continue to develop as a player as the year goes on.

“Another addition in the halves provides more competition, with Lucy competing alongside Liv Gale and Sade Rihari. To bring Lucy in as an experienced half-back is fantastic.”

York Press: The Valkyrie lifted a historic League Leaders' Shield and Grand Final double in 2023.The Valkyrie lifted a historic League Leaders' Shield and Grand Final double in 2023. (Image: Richard Sellers/PA Wire)

Eastwood is excited to get started with the Valkyrie, and hopes that she can help the club repeat last year's historic League Leaders' Shield and Grand Final triumphs.

She said: “I’m really excited to have joined York and to have joined the reigning champions, who are looking to achieve the same again this year and become an even better team. 

“It’s a really exciting time to be joining the club and I’m looking forward to working alongside some really talented players.

"Even in the short time I've been here so far, I feel like I’m a better player already, never mind when we get towards the back end of the season!

“I’m really excited to get back on the field and to be able to play at such a high standard. I’m really excited to pull on a York shirt and I can’t wait to get going.”

Komaitai makes the move to North Yorkshire from Betfred Women's Super League South side British Army, fresh from reaching the competition's Play-off Semi Finals in 2023.

The Fiji-born centre also has rugby union experience under her belt, having represented both London Irish and Pacific Islanders.

Anfield explained that Komaitai had been highly recommended by fellow centre Carrie Roberts, who joined the club midway through last season's title-winning campaign.

"I came across Koms when I went to watch an Army game last year," she said.

"She’s really a direct, hard-running, athletic and strong player and she doesn’t take a backwards step.

“Koms is also a dedicated athlete who has fitted in really well to our hard-working squad and culture.

“She’s a really coachable player and someone that will add another dimension to our squad this year.”

Komaitai described the opportunity to join the Valkyrie as an honour, saying: "It feels unbelievable to be joining York, the team that won the Super League last year. They're the best team and it's an honour to join the best team, for sure.

"I'm really enjoying myself here so far. Everyone has been so welcoming and I've blended in really well with the girls and the coaches.

"The training has been another level from what I'm used to but I'm really enjoying it. I've learned so much since I've joined and it's been great overall. I cannot wait to get started this season."

The pair could make their debuts in the Valkyrie's season opener at Sheffield Eagles in Group One of the Women's Challenge Cup on March 17 (2pm).