This weekend, Barrow Raiders Ladies will return to action at the inaugural Women’s Nines.
The exciting new festival of women’s rugby league will commence on Sunday 1 May at Victoria Park in Warrington, with six qualifying sides advancing to take part in finals day at Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium on Sunday 24 July.
Here’s everything you need to know about the event.
Who is taking part?
On Sunday, all 12 Betfred Women’s Super League sides, and ‘invitation’ teams including Bristol Golden Ferns, Catalans Dragons, Dublin City Exiles, London Broncos, Oxford Cavaliers and Salford Red Devils will be competing.
The top six sides from the group stages will then face off in July for the right to be crowned Women’s Nines champions.
What format are matches?
Women’s Nines matches are played over two nine-minute halves, with five points for a try scored in the bonus zone under the posts and two for a drop-kicked conversion attempt.
Squads will consist of up to 15 players, with unlimited interchanges allowed from the six-strong bench.
Thoughts of the coach
Speaking ahead of the Women’s Nines, Ladies head coach Amanda Wilkinson said: “As a group, we’re really looking forward to getting out there again after a few weeks without a game.
“It’ll be a great fitness run-out for the Ladies, and also a really useful day for the Ladies as we ramp up preparations ahead of our first Betfred Women’s Super League match of the season.”
Who will Barrow Raiders Ladies face?
Amanda Wilkinson’s side will compete in Group A alongside Bristol Gold Ferns, Warrington Wolves and St Helens. Fixture times are below:
- Bristol Gold Ferns vs Barrow Raiders Ladies: 10:30am kick-off.
- St Helens vs Barrow Raiders Ladies: 11:45am kick-off.
- Barrow Raiders Ladies vs Warrington Wolves: 12:35pm kick-off.
Tickets for Sunday’s event are free for supporters who wish to support the Ladies.
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