YORK RLFC have announced a new three-year partnership with NRL heavyweights Penrith Panthers.

Aimed at strengthening growth in rugby league, the collaboration brings together the four-time back-to-back NRL champions, Betfred Championship contenders York Knights, and two-time Betfred Women’s Super League champions York Valkyrie.

The collaboration is formalised through a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and aims to enhance growth in key areas such as youth development, commercial innovation and international pathways for both the men’s and women’s game.

Ties between the clubs have also been strengthened by the ongoing test series between England and Samoa, coached by Penrith assistant Ben Gardiner, who have been based in York are training out of the LNER Community Stadium during their stay in the country.

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York RLFC chairman Clint Goodchild explained: “Over the past two years we have been fortunate enough to build a relationship with Matt Cameron and his amazing staff. This included two visits to the Panthers facilities and offices. I was humbled that Matt would take the time to give me a tour of their impressive operation. Upon doing so I could see why they have had so much success on and off the field.

"The people in the organisation couldn’t have been more generous with their time. We’ve learnt so much from those experiences and to now have a formal partnership in place I am excited to continue that education and to openly share our vision, experiences, and knowledge.

“The mutual ground that helped bring the two clubs together was our shared philosophy around the importance of community, no club in the world has had more success in developing the sport at a youth and community level then Penrith. To have a blueprint on how that was achieved is exciting as we look to launch our Academy in the near future.”

Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron also expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying: “We are thrilled to collaborate with York RLFC. This partnership will not only foster shared knowledge and resources but also strengthen our commitment to the growth of rugby league at all levels.

“We are also excited about learning from York Valkyrie, the back-to-back Women’s Super League champions, as we strive to elevate the women's game at Panthers. Their success serves as an inspiration, and we believe that by sharing strategies and insights, we can make an impact on the development of women’s rugby league."

Panthers Group chairman Peter Graham added: "We are excited to partner with York RLFC, which embodies our shared commitment to the growth and development of rugby league.

“By uniting our resources and expertise, we aim to create pathways for both men’s and women’s rugby, enhancing youth development and fostering innovation."