Leeds Rhinos go back to the drawing board after Women's Super League is cancelled

Leeds Rhinos women’s side are set to prioritise training over friendlies following the cancellation of their season.
Lois Forsell. Picture by Steve Riding.Lois Forsell. Picture by Steve Riding.
Lois Forsell. Picture by Steve Riding.

Betfred Women’s Super League and the Coral Women’s Challenge Cup have been axed for this year because of coronavirus and Rhinos coach Lois Forsell’s focus is now on 2021.

The knockout competition began in February and league matches were due to start at the end of the following month, but both fell victim to the coronavirus pandemic.

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The Rugby Football League (RFL) have given teams the option to play local friendlies next month and players in the England squads will train during September and October, under national coach Craig Richards and women’s and girls’ talent manager Stuart Barrow.

Rhinos were set to defend two titles this year, having completed a Challenge Cup and Super League double in 2019 when they beat Castleford Tigers, the league leaders, in both finals.

Former team captain Forsell took over as coach from Adam Cuthbertson in the off-season after a knee injury forced her to retire from playing.

Rhinos had completed almost a full pre-season before Covid-19 struck on the eve of the new campaign and there were hopes some sort of competitive fixture list could be arranged, but that proved impossible as the pandemic dragged on.

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“Obviously, it’s a massive shame,” Forsell said of the decision to abandon this year’s competitions.

“It wasn’t a shock to any of us, but we have kept the girls engaged and motivated so if there was an opportunity we’d be prepared for that.

“It is disappointing for them when they’ve bought in and worked really hard over the isolation period to keep fit and push to get fitter.”

Forsell said Rhinos have now gone “back to the drawing board” as preparations begin for the crucial 2021 campaign, which culminates in a World Cup in England.

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Friendlies would give the players an opportunity for some match action, but also raise the risk of injuries going into pre-season.

“It is an unknown couple of months ahead,” Forsell admitted. “We will have some staff catch-ups in the next couple of weeks and see where we are at, with people coming off furlough and things like that. We will go from there, but I don’t think it will be in our immediate sights to get something booked in straight away, friendly-wise.

“Obviously the girls haven’t played for a long time so we’d be looking more to get a bit of a pre-season under our belt and then look for any competitive opportunities as and when they come.”

The timing of the coronavirus shutdown, which affected rugby league at all levels in this country, could not have been worse for the women’s game, which has been an outstanding success story over recent seasons.

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“We were ready for the first game, it was literally the week before round one,” Forsell recalled of the season’s initial suspension.

“It is so disappointing for the girls and the coaching staff who were ready and excited for the season.

“For me it was disappointing as well because I was starting a new role and chomping at the bit to get that underway and see what the next path in the sport looks like for me.

“But it is one of those things - we are just happy everyone is safe and healthy.

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“We will just look to regroup and go again and, hopefully, be even better come the start of next season.”

Forsell confirmed her squad have remained committed to the cause, despite the lack of fixtures and are “looking in a good place”.

She said: “The girls have worked hard throughout.

“It will be good to see them back training again, I am sure they will be itching to get back. Some of them have an opportunity as part of the EPU [England performance unit] squad to train in small bubbles ahead of 2021.

“It is a big year and we need to make sure we get it right.

“We have got from now until then to make sure it is a great Women’s Super League season next year and also a great World Cup on home soil.”

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