What Is 2019 RFL Women's Super League

Overview

The 2019 RFL Women's Super League marked the second season of the restructured top-flight women's rugby league competition in England, organized by the Rugby Football League (RFL). It expanded from the inaugural 2018 season, increasing competitiveness and visibility for women's rugby league.

With a total of 10 teams participating, the league aimed to strengthen player development and fan engagement across the country. The season featured a rigorous double round-robin format, ensuring each team played one another twice before advancing to the playoffs.

• 10 teams competed in the 2019 season, including new additions like Barrow Raiders and Bradford Bulls, expanding the league's national footprint.
• The regular season began on March 16, 2019, with the first match between Warrington Wolves and York City Knights.
• Each team played 18 regular-season games due to the double round-robin structure, increasing match exposure and player experience.
• The top four teams advanced to the playoffs, culminating in a Grand Final hosted at a neutral venue.
• The Grand Final took place on October 5, 2019, at Halliwell Jones Stadium, coinciding with the men's Super League semi-finals to boost attendance and media coverage.

How It Works

The 2019 RFL Women's Super League followed a structured competition model designed to balance fairness, competitive intensity, and player welfare across the season.

• Double Round-Robin Format: Each of the 10 teams played every other team twice—once at home and once away—resulting in 18 matches per team.
• Regular Season Duration: The league ran from March 16 to September 8, 2019, with teams earning 2 points for a win and 1 for a draw.
• Playoff Qualification: The top four teams after the regular season—Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers, Warrington Wolves, and York City Knights—advanced to the semifinals.
• Grand Final Host Venue: The final was held at Halliwell Jones Stadium, home of Warrington Wolves, to maximize crowd turnout and broadcast visibility.
• Championship Outcome: Leeds Rhinos won the title by defeating Castleford Tigers 20–12 in the final, marking their first Super League crown.
• Player Eligibility: Teams were required to field only registered players with no more than three professional contracts per squad, maintaining semi-professional standards.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of key metrics between the 2018 and 2019 RFL Women's Super League seasons highlights structural and competitive developments.

The expansion from 4 to 10 teams in 2019 significantly increased the number of games and regional representation. This growth reflected the RFL's commitment to developing women's rugby league infrastructure and providing more competitive opportunities. Higher attendance and broader media coverage in 2019 demonstrated the league's rising popularity and organizational success.

Why It Matters

The 2019 RFL Women's Super League was a pivotal moment in the evolution of women's rugby league, setting new standards for competition structure and athlete participation.

• The expansion to 10 teams allowed more women to compete at the elite level, increasing diversity and talent depth across the sport.
• Increased media coverage, including live broadcasts, raised the profile of female athletes and inspired grassroots participation.
• The double round-robin format ensured fairer competition and more meaningful fixtures compared to the limited 2018 schedule.
• Leeds Rhinos' victory marked a shift in dominance, ending St Helens' title streak and promoting competitive balance.
• The league's integration with men's match days boosted attendance and normalized gender equality in rugby league events.
• Stronger organizational support laid the foundation for future professionalism, with discussions about full-time contracts beginning in 2020.

The 2019 season demonstrated that women's rugby league could thrive with proper investment and structure, paving the way for further expansion and eventual semi-professional status in subsequent years.