Women’s Rugby League is set to enter an exciting ‘New Era’ in 2016, with a revolutionary restructure of the summer league competition taking place.
Kicking off on 3 April, the 2016 Women’s Rugby League season will see the game adopt a variation of the current Super League system, which was introduced last year, with the changes set to create the most competitive competition the sport has ever seen, with more silverware to win than ever before.
The league will split into two groups after five rounds, while County Cups and a Merit League have been introduced, alongside the return of the Challenge Cup and Shield competitions.
The season will then culminate with the annual Play-Off Series and County Origin in October.
“There have never been so many opportunities to be successful,” said RFL Competition Officer Lindsay Crompton.
Women’s Rugby League is also pleased to welcome Bradford Bulls Women to the 2016 competition.
RFL Club and Competition Manager James Shuttleworth said: “The Bulls are a welcome addition. This move reflects the growing interest in Women’s Rugby League by the professional part of the game.
“Bradford Bulls is a very strong brand in Rugby League and their involvement in the sport has piqued the interest of others.
“This season promises to be the most competitive to date and, with the 2017 Rugby League World Cup in Australia on the horizon, it looks set to be crucial for players with international ambitions.”
The league culminates with the annual Grand Finals Day at the Select Security Stadium, Widnes.
In a change from tradition, the event will be staged on Saturday, 1 October. The County Origin game then closes out the season on Sunday, 18 October, at Stanningley SARLC, Leeds.
Round One kicks off on Sunday, 3 April with the following fixtures scheduled:
Oulton Raidettes v Bradford Bulls
Selby Warriors v Featherstone Rovers
Rochdale Hornets v Leigh Miners Rangers
Normanton v Lindley Swifts
Wigan St Patricks v Stanningley
Thatto Heath St Helens v Brighouse Rangers
Report courtesy of RFL Women’s Rugby League
