YORK Valkyrie have signed former Canberra Raiders captain Remi Wilton.

Wilton arrives in York with a wealth of experience in both rugby codes in her native Australia, and could make her debut at newly-promoted Barrow Raiders on Saturday.

The 27-year-old featured for Canberra, BMD Premiership side Central Queensland Capras and representative outfit Monraco Colts in rugby league, whilst turning out for Australia ‘A’ in the 15-a-side code.

She is also the former captain of SuperW side ACT Brumbles, who compete in the top-flight of women’s rugby union in Australia.

Able to play at hooker, loose forward or half-back, Wilton is Lindsay Anfield’s fourth signing this season, following England international Eboni Partington, half-back Lucy Eastwood and Manqualo Komaitai through the doors at the LNER Community Stadium.

With captain and reigning Woman of Steel Sinead Peach ruled out for the entirety of the 2024 campaign after announcing her pregnancy earlier this week, she will provide competition at nine, with fellow utility Georgie Hetherington having taken on the role so far this season.

Wilton, who arrived in the UK earlier this week, cannot wait to get stuck in with her new team.

She enthused: “I’m really stoked to be here.

" I only arrived here in the UK on Tuesday, but I’ve had an awesome couple of days here so far and I really enjoyed getting stuck in at training on Wednesday night!

“I’ve always wanted to come and play rugby league here in the UK and this was the perfect opportunity to make the jump.

“I’m really excited to here at York and I can’t wait to put the boots back on again!”

York Press: York Valkyrie captain Sinead Peach has been one of the club's water girls during the start of the season, and announced her pregnancy earlier this week. York Valkyrie captain Sinead Peach has been one of the club's water girls during the start of the season, and announced her pregnancy earlier this week. (Image: Craig Hawkhead)

Director of rugby Anfield revealed that York Knights boss Andrew Henderson had helped to orchestrate the move.

“Remi came on our radar through of a contact of Andrew Henderson’s and we discovered that she’d be interested in making the move over to the UK," she explained.

“As soon as we found out about her interest, we jumped at the chance to bring here to York.

“Remi has got a great understanding of the game, having had plenty of experience within rugby league and rugby union. She’s a versatile ball-player who is able to be feature at hooker, half-back and loose forward.

“She’s been part of the set-up of Australian rugby union national side which shows her pedigree and we’re really excited to see where here journey takes her here at York.”