Celebrating 40 Years of Women’s Rugby League in Cumbria: Event at Northern Competitions Stadium

Northern Competitions Stadium is set to host a special event that will bring to life over 40 years of women’s rugby league in Cumbria. The event is part of the Women in Rugby League: The Pioneering Years project, which aims to celebrate the history of sportswomen who joined rugby league clubs since the 1980s.

The project will uncover, document, and showcase the achievements and legacies of those who paved the way for thousands of young women to join the sport and introduce girls to new role models. With workshops, exhibitions, and public events planned at ten major rugby league-playing towns across northern England, the project is set to make a significant impact.

On Saturday, April 27, the home of Barrow Raiders will be filled with memorabilia including medals, trophies, and newspaper reports that highlight the history of local female rugby players. The event will also feature current and former players, including Mary Mac, who is now the director of Women’s Rugby at Barrow Raiders and the organizer of the exhibition.

Mary Mac expressed her excitement about hosting the event, stating, “We want to unearth as much memorabilia as we can and share the stories, mementos, and souvenirs of former players to re-engage girls in the sport.” The event will kick off at 11:45 am before the Raiders’ Super League game against York Valkyrie.

Former referee and RFL director Julia Lee, a driving force behind the project, emphasized the importance of celebrating the pioneers of women’s rugby league. She encouraged all those who were part of women’s rugby league in the early years to come along and share their experiences and memories.

The event promises to be a fantastic day celebrating the pioneering women in rugby league and their lasting impact on the sport. It is a great opportunity for former players to reconnect with the sport and for others to learn about the history and contributions of these trailblazing women.