Leeds Rhinos to pay women's team as six are named in England squad for RLWC2021 opener

Today’s (Sunday’s) news comes two days before Headingley hosts the opening fixtures in the Women’s World Cup, with England taking on Brazil before the PNG Orchids’ clash with Canada.

Rhinos, the Super League champions, say the move in 2023 is the second phase of the club’s transition towards a professional women’s team.

Phase one included extra medical and sport science support with a women’s team doctor, private scans, additional physio care and an enhanced sport science programme.

The club also paid female players for their time and commitment promoting the game through media and commercial appearances, contributed towards travelling expenses and provided equipment such as boots, gym wear and gumshields.

Rhinos women’s team coach Lois Forsell said: “It’s great to see the growth and development of the women’s programme at Leeds Rhinos since 2018. Year on year it has grown.

“The club have big ambitions and these steps are all positive ones in the right direction that look to grow the game sustainably.”

Chief executive Gary Hetherington added: “The Leeds Rhinos women’s team are an integral part of our club and we are keen to see them progress as well as inspiring more women and girls in Leeds to play rugby league.

“There have been huge strides made in the women’s game in this country over the last five years and we hope we can move forward even further over the next five years.”

Meanwhile, six Rhinos players have been named in England’s initial 19 for the World Cup opener against Brazil.

Rhinos’ Georgia Roche will return from a broken leg which kept her out of September’s Grand Final win over York.

She will partner Australian-born Courtney Winfield-Hill in the halves and the squad also includes Leeds outside-backs Caitlin Beevers and Fran Goldthorp, acting-half Keara Bennett and back-rower Zoe Hornby.

England’s 19-player squad to face Brazil is: Emily Rudge, Tara Stanley, Caitlin Beevers, Fran Goldthorp, Amy Hardcastle, Leah Burke, Georgia Roche, Courtney Winfield-Hill, Grace Field, Tara Jones, Hollie Dodd, Jodie Cunningham, Vicky Molyneux, Vicky Whitfield, Shona Hoyle, Olivia Wood, Keara Bennett, Zoe Harris, Zoe Hornby.