York Valkyrie agree dual registration with Sheffield Eagles

The partnership will afford the Valkyrie’s squad players more time in the Women’s Championship with Sheffield, whilst the Eagles’ elite players will be given the opportunity to train with Lindsay Anfield’s double-winning side.

Like the Valkyrie, Sheffield have moved to financially reward their female players this season, joining the likes of Leeds Rhinos and Huddersfield Giants in backing the rapid growth of the women’s game.

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Following an incredible 2023 which saw York twice make history after capturing a second consecutive Betfred Women’s Super League Leaders’ Shield and first-ever Grand Final, the club broke new ground to offer professional contracts.

Comparable to those offered in the men’s Betfred Championship and League One competitions, the Valkyrie also receive NRLW player options and maternity provisions.

Valkyrie director of rugby Lindsay Anfield believes that the partnership will be hugely beneficial to both clubs, and was pleased to see Sheffield follow York’s lead in financially rewarding their women’s team.

She explained: “I’ve known Andrea Dobson (Sheffield’s Foundation Development Officer) for a long time, having played with each other since we were 18 years old and now trying to progress the women’s game through coaching.

“In the Betfred Women’s Super League, you need a big squad but, due to the nature of the league, you can’t give everyone lots of game time.

“In order to be able to allow players to put what they’re learning in training into practice, they need to play, so to be able to allow them that opportunity through dual registration is hugely beneficial.

“At Sheffield, Andrea has got a number of really talented players who want exposure to the training standards of a higher level. This dual registration agreement gives those players that opportunity to train alongside the best players in the country here at York.

“It’s also fantastic to see Sheffield move to financially reward their female players from next year as the women’s game continues to go from strength to strength.”

Sheffield Eagles director of rugby Mark Aston added: “Last year at Sheffield, we set out our ‘#OneClub’ approach with our Women’s and Wheelchair teams playing in the same kits and, the women playing their games at the Olympic Legacy Park Stadium.

“The team have had two years of success and because we can use the Stadium for women’s games to generate additional revenue, we have been able to move forward in financially rewarding the women’s side for their on-field success and commitment to the club.

“As we enter our 40th season as a club, it’s really exciting to be able to enter this partnership with York and would like to thank Lindsay and the team for their support as we look to progress the women’s team here in Sheffield.”