RFL Women's Rugby League Kicks Off

The new RFL Women’s Rugby League competition kicks off on Sunday, September 25, for an abridged interim campaign ahead of the launch of the summer-based season which will run from March to October 2012.

Eight sides will compete in the interim season between next weekend and the end of November with 17 clubs already confirmed to play in the first full summer-based season which will start on March 10.

The RFL’s Director of Participation and Strategic Partnerships, David Gent said: "Following research carried out independently last year with female Rugby League players, the results came back in favour of a March to October playing season.

"In 2012 the RFL Women’s Rugby League competition will run from March to October and will incorporate a summer break.

"Games will be played on the default day of Sunday following feedback from players and clubs and, as with the Co-operative Rugby League Conference in previous years, match officials’ fees will be paid by the RFL.

"We are focused on providing a player-centred competition and this structure has been developed and endorsed by the England Women's set-up."

As in previous Rugby League Conference seasons, the new RFL Women’s Rugby League will provide an annual grant towards team running costs and assisting with long distance trips, as well as appointing and funding the cost of match officials. Discipline will be managed centrally by the RFL's Community Game Services.

Management Group elections will be held in early December and there will be a club support event including workshops and guidance on areas such as marketing, media, commercial, websites and funding for all clubs involved.

Alongside the 17 clubs already confirmed for 2012 it is anticipated that more teams will join before the March kick-off. There are also three teams in developing regions, as well as the armed services and a number of new clubs developing in London and the South.

Work will be done to establish the pathway for these clubs to develop within the competition pyramid.