St Helens join Women’s Super League

St Helens will link up with Thatto Heath Crusaders to enter a team in the 2018 Women’s Super League.

Saints will have a team in the Women’s Super League while the Crusaders will also play in the Merit League, with a crossover of players from both sides.

St Helens will also continue to support Thatto Heath’s already successful girls section.

On the launch of a women’s team, Saints’ Lead Community Coach, Craig Richards, said: “There is already a strong bond between the Saints and Thatto Heath’s women’s and girls’ sections and this partnership is a direct result.

“The girls’ pathway will continue to be supported by Community Saints coaches and those players will hopefully progress into the women’s teams.

“Seven Thatto Heath-St Helens women were called up into the England squad for the World Cup and we hope there are many more to come through this partnership.”

Crusaders chairman Mike Denning added: “We are delighted to support all initiatives which seeks to promote the women and girls game.

“We have worked hard to give the women and girls competitive games and believe the time is right to take further steps to get these talented players recognised in the rugby communities.

“I would like to thank Saints for their understanding of how the community games works for the women and girls and working with us to ensure all have a pathway to continue to enjoy their Rugby League at all levels.”

Training will remain at Thatto Heath’s Close Street home with some sessions for the women and girls taking place at the Cowley Training Centre.

St Helens will also use the Totally Wicked Stadium when fixtures allow.