Photo credit: Sheridan Hunt/York RLFC
York Valkyrie star players Sinead Peach, Tara Jane Stanley and Liv Wood have this week signed professional contracts with a guaranteed salary, in a first for both York Rugby and the Betfred Women’s Super League.
As reported last month, the Valkyrie’s Grand Final victory over Leeds Rhinos was of huge significance because it was played out between the only two clubs in Europe to pay their players. These new contracts take that commitment one step further — they include base salaries, a range of performance-related bonuses as well as provisions for maternity leave. It affirms York RLFC’s willingness to back up the rapid growth of the women’s game with real support.
York RLFC Chairman Clint Goodchild said: “No one can question the commitment of the players last year, having taken steps to start paying the players. This is a significant step forward from that to where the figures become comparable to some Betfred League One contracts and, in some cases, Betfred Championship contracts.
“We were pleased to make Sinead, Tara and Liv the first three players to sign professional contracts, two winners of the Woman of Steel and an England international and rising star of the game respectively. Those three deserve all the credit that goes their way as trailblazers of women’s rugby league.
“Looking ahead to 2024, hopefully we’ll have a lot more double headers with York Knights and York Valkyrie, that’s something that we’re pushing for with the RFL, so we can continue our journey of being one Club with one goal. Fingers crossed we can make that happen.”
Captain Sinead Peach added: “What an exciting day this has been for us. If you told me that this moment would come when I was a little girl, I would have laughed at you!
“To see where women’s rugby league has progressed is unbelievable and I’m super excited to sign a contract alongside Tara and Liv.
“Little kids looking up to us can see that this sport is progressing.”
Follow the latest updates from York’s Rugby teams at www.yourlocallink.co.uk
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