Wales Rugby League have announced their South Wales women’s domestic fixtures for the 2023 season.
Six games will be played, with Cardiff Blue Dragons, Bridgend Blue Bulls and Rhondda Outlaws facing each other home and away.
There will also be an end-of-season challenge where a South Wales Select will take on North Wales Crusaders.
Wales stars Leanne Burnell, Katie Carr and Shaunni Davies, who now play for Cardiff Demons in the Women’s Super League, are backing the league and recently donned their former club shirts when at Wales international training, to show support.
Leanne Burnell, who was player of the match in the very first open age rugby league game to ever take place in Wales back in 2019, said: “I was really surprised to win player of the match in that first game, but it was also so exciting. That was my first ever game of rugby league and I still didn’t know half of the rules so getting player of the match drew me in more and got me really interested in getting more involved in the game, which I’m so happy I did.
“The progress in Wales is crazy, from most of us going from not really knowing anything about the game to now wishing we could play all year around with the ambition to make a World Cup. The last two to three years has been a big journey for league in Wales and the next three will be even more so. I’d love to see more Cardiff-based ladies turn out for the Blue Dragons and give us more competition for Wales places.”
Katie Carr, who has always played alongside her twin sister Rosie, said: “I’ve really enjoyed playing for Bridgend, the team and coaches allowed me to develop my understanding of the game and helped me grow as a player. I’m looking forward to supporting them this season!”
Rosie added: “Playing for the Blue Bulls has started me in my rugby league career. Without the coaching staff and the players, my enjoyment for the game wouldn’t have grown as quickly as it has. Blue Bulls have always pushed me to do my best and have always helped with training for which I’m really grateful for.”
Shaunni Davies, who has gone on to captain Wales, adds: “Rhondda Outlaws is where my rugby league journey began. It ignited that a passion for a sport I never thought I’d play and I’m grateful for that and the huge part this club played in getting me into a Welsh shirt and captaining my country. James Allen, the head coach who inspired me to join the club and taught me so much about the game, passed on to me, his undeniable passion for the sport.
“The community game is the heart of building Women’s Rugby League here in Wales. Having a Welsh League where players can learn, develop and progress in a continuously growing sport, will mean a stronger Wales side now and in the years to come, building something incredible for those who will wear the jerseys after us. Good luck to all teams and players for 2023, I can’t wait to see how the season goes.”
The fixtures have been organised so they are double headers with men’s games, many of which will be against the same sides.
Saturday 10 June – Bridgend Blue Bulls vs Rhondda Outlaws
Saturday 17 June – Cardiff Blue Dragons vs Bridgend Blue Bulls
Saturday 24 June – Cardiff Blue Dragons vs Rhondda Outlaws
Saturday 8 July – Rhondda Outlaws vs Cardiff Blue Dragons
Saturday 15 July – Bridgend Blue Bulls vs Cardiff Blue Dragons
Saturday 29 July – Rhondda Outlaws vs Bridgend Blue Bulls
To get involved in any of the sides, please email louise.morgan@walesrugbyleague.co.uk and she’ll point you in the direction of a club.
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