Rugby Football League confirm Women’s Nines competition
There will be an exciting new tournament in the Rugby League calendar this summer.
Women’s Nines will be going to Warrington later this year.
On Sunday 1 May Warrington’s Victoria Park will host a group stage event featuring all 12 Women’s Super League sides. ‘Invitation’ teams will also be included. The likes of Bristol Golden Ferns, Catalans Dragons, Dublin City Exiles, London Broncos, Oxford Cavaliers and Salford Red Devils will feature.
The top six sides from the group stage will face each other at Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium on Sunday 24 July for the right to be crowned Women’s Nines champions.
The Warrington event will have a ‘festival’ feel to it, the RFL have confirmed. There will be off-field workshops and activities running alongside the action on the pitch involving some of the best female players in Women’s Rugby league.
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‘It’s an event not to be missed’
Rugby Football League head of growth, Thomas Brindle, said: “We’re really excited about what this tournament has to offer on and off the pitch. Nines is an exciting spectacle, and we’ll see lots of fantastic players showcasing their skills together at Warrington and Salford.
“The festival approach at Warrington offers opportunities for complete novices, younger players and potential stars of tomorrow to come along and find out more about Women’s Rugby League and how to get involved. Throughout the day we’ll have workshops connecting younger players with those at the top level, including topics such as body positivity and how to be physically prepared for the demands of the game.
“With entertainment throughout the day running alongside the action on the pitch, there’ll be something for everyone. It’s an event not to be missed.”
Nines Rugby League matches are played over two nine-minute halves. It includes five points for a try scored in the bonus zone under the posts and two for a drop-kicked conversion attempt. Squads will consist of up to 15 players, with unlimited interchanges allowed from the six-strong bench.
Further details of the competition will announced in due course.
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