Jonny Payne appointed Featherstone Ladies coach

Featherstone have appointed Jonny Payne as the head coach of their ladies team, ahead of the new Women’s Super League season.

Payne, 25, played for Oxford, Castleford and Bradford and recently helped launch the Castleford ladies team.

Last season, Featherstone made the Super League Grand Final and Challenge Cup final, but will face fresh challenges as the likes of Leeds, Wigan, St Helens and Widnes all join the new look women’s Super League.

Payne said: “I am really excited about the challenge in front of us at Featherstone, it is going to be fantastic and I am really pleased to get the chance to coach here.

“Featherstone are one of the women’s game’s longest-established teams and it will be great for the girls to face some of the biggest names in the sport.

“I will be looking to create a professional environment, getting the players into the best-possible shape in time for the start of the new season.

“We have a great group of players in place and signed on for 2018 and are working with local teams to create a pathway to the Women’s Super League.”

England captain Andrea Dobson is part of what will be a 30-strong Super League squad for Featherstone, as recruitment continues ahead of the season start in April.

Matches will take place prior to or following the mens’ Championship fixtures.