The Women’s Rugby World Cup may still be in full flow, but it is an important weekend for the game in Wales with the Admiral Women’s National League programme kicking-off this afternoon (Sunday, 14 September) with a record 40 teams taking part.
After the success of a new central league last season there will once again be six divisions operating this winter with four new teams added.
The four teams completing the ‘New Team Process’ and showing sustainable ways of growth and ready to join leagues are Machynlleth, Bala and Llanidloes in the North and Tycroes in the West.
Ynysddu and Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd have been promoted from the Championship to the Premiership, with Whitland dropping down to the Championship and COBRA going into North.
Senghenydd Sirens, who won the East title and the Bowl last season, having gone up into the Championship, along with Central champions Ynysybwl and West winners Swansea Hawks.
Tondu have moved across from the West into the Central league, while Abercwmboi ladies, who will play out of a new home at Abercynon RFC, have moved out of Central into East. It means there are eight teams in the Premiership, nine in the Championship, six in Central, five each in East and West and seven in the North.
“It’s great to see the rugby season back and I’m excited to see the battles commence. With the Rugby World Cup ongoing, and the huge spotlight on women’s sport, our women’s teams are chomping at the bit for the leagues to start,” said Caryl Thomas, the WRU’s community lead for the women’s and girl’s game.
“We’ve seen growth in the number of players and teams over the last couple of seasons, in particular in North Wales. For any new player who’s interested in starting rugby, why not give it a try.
“We have girls as young as six and adults aged 40 + picking up the ball for the first time and feeling like they belong. We have teams playing at varying levels, which means there’s a place for everyone.”
You can look up your nearest team on Welsh Rugby Union – Adult Rugby and find the team directory. The full list of fixtures for the National Leagues can be found HERE
WRU WOMEN’S NATIONAL LEAGUE 2024-2025 CHAMPIONS
Premiership: Llandaff North
Championship: Ynysddu
East: Senghenydd
West: West Swansea Hawks
Central: Ynysybwl
North: AbergeleROAD TO PRINCIPALITY WINNERS
Cup: Burry Port
Plate: Seven Sisters
Bowl: SenghenyddFormer union and league international Rafique Taylor will be looking to put her stamp on the Championship with Senghenydd, while Courtney Greenway, who also won the Bowl and East title with Senghenydd last season, will be splitting her time between club and Gwalia Lightning.
Rhiannon Griffin led the way with her exceptional kicking and game management for Burry Port at Principality Stadium in the last season’s Cup Final and also played for Brython Thunder.
World Cup forward Tilly Vucaj, who played through the age grades at the Red Kites Girl’s Hub played for Gwernyfed at the age of 18. She’ll be hoping to see her home club push on in the Championship as she progresses her career