Women’s Super League to resume in April after 18-month absence – with York taking on Leeds

The Betfred Women’s Super League will resume on April 18 after an absence of more than 18 months, the Rugby Football League has announced.

Leeds, who won the last Grand Final in October 2019, will launch their title defence against York City Knights on Sunday, April 18, when Warrington, who had been due to enter the 10-team competition in 2020, will make their belated debut against Wigan.

In the other opening games, Bradford play St Helens and Castleford take on Featherstone.

The first 10 rounds will all be played behind closed doors at Victoria Park in Warrington and Sports Park Weetwood in Leeds but it is hoped crowds will be back in time for the start of a top-four play-off series in August.

The Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup will get under way on Sunday, April 25 with two preliminary-round ties – York v Wakefield and Huddersfield v Warrington – and a two-match Origin series is arranged for July 27 and August 7, to aid England’s preparations for the end-of-season World Cup.

Thomas Brindle, general manager of the BWSL, said: “It has been a long wait but this will be worth waiting for.

“2021 is such a huge year for Women’s Rugby League in this country, with a home World Cup to anticipate, that it’s essential for the Betfred Women’s Super League to resume.”