First-ever National Championship Final to be played at Alexander Stadium

Earlier this year, the Rugby Football League, introduced the national pyramid into the women’s game. This allowed teams from the southern competition for the first time to compete for promotion into the Betfred Women’s Super League. 

The new structure is part of a long-term vision to create a national pyramid for Women's Rugby League. The Betfred Women’s Super League sits at the top of the pyramid and the regionalised Championship below. The winners of the Northern and Southern Championships will go head-to-head in a bid to be crowned National Champions and earn the right to compete for promotion to the Betfred Women’s Super League. 

This year it is Leigh Leopards and London Broncos who are set to make history as they will compete at Alexander Stadium, Birmingham for glory on Sunday 29 September.

Both teams have had an outstanding season, seeing them triumph to the top in the Southern and Northern Championship leagues. The fixture promises to be action-packed and highly competitive, with London being back-to-back Southern Champions and Leigh having gone unbeaten throughout the whole season. It will truly be a fierce competition of the best that the Women’s Championship has to offer. 

Polly Roberts from London Broncos expressed: "My first season at London Broncos has been one to remember and to be able to be part of such an amazing group of girls with the hopes to get promoted for the Super League is even more special. 

?I am excited to play against Leigh Leopards, as are all the Broncos Ladies, as it's a new challenge. We have such a talented group of girls who have been working so hard all season and we are ready for the challenge that faces us on Sunday!" 

Rhianna Burke from Leigh Leopards added: “We’ve had a great season so far and we’re ready to continue into the National Championship Final, London are an unknown challenge for us but one we are ready to face. It will be tough game and an exciting test for us but as long we stick to our game plan, and the processes like we have done all year, I believe we have it in us to take the win.

"Getting promoted to Super League has been our end goal and what we’ve been working towards all season, however we are taking each game one step at a time. All our focus is on London this weekend.” 

The two teams will meet on neutral ground at the Alexander Stadium in the north of Birmingham, with a kick-off of 2.30pm. Fans are encouraged to come down and support for free, and will also have the opportunity to watch live from the RFL YouTube channel. 

Winners of the National Championship Final will confirm their place at the Women’s Grand Final where they will share the stage with Super League Grand Finalists St Helens and York Valkyrie in a double header at Totally Wicked Stadium, October 6th. 

Tom Brindle Head of Development and Women’s Super League General Manager said: “This National Championship Final marks a historic moment for Women’s Rugby League. This new structure is designed to grow and strengthen the women's game at all levels.

"With Leigh Leopards and London Broncos both demonstrating remarkable skill and determination to reach this point, fans can expect an intense contest. The Alexander Stadium provides the perfect setting for this milestone occasion, and we can’t wait to see who will earn their place in the Super League promotion bid." 

Event Details 

Date: Sunday 29 September

Kick-off time: 2.30pm. 

Stadium address: Walsall Rd, Perry Barr, Birmingham B42 2LR. 

Parking: Spectators should park in the South and East car parks only and are advised to enter via the Church Road entrance. There is no charge for this parking.