With numbers continuing to grow in the Women’s and Girls’ game, the Rugby Football League can today confirm that that Northern Women’s Championship will expand to a 12-team competition from 2025.
After a standout season in the South, Cardiff Demons and London Broncos will join the Northern competition next season alongside League One champions Hull FC and Featherstone Rovers – who join from the Betfred Women’s Super League following their defeat to Leigh Leopards in the Promotion Play-Off Final.
Each team will play each other once before a clash against their local rivals in Round 12 with the winner of the Grand Final facing off against the team placed bottom of the BWSL at the end of the season.
League One is set to welcome three new teams – Stanningley, Halifax Panthers and League Two champions Workington Town - with the Grand Final winners granted promotion to the Championship for 2026.
In League Two, a number of teams that have progressed from the Development League last season enter the structured competition, including Ashton Bears, Batley, Heysham Atoms and Rochdale Mayfield. The division has expanded to eight teams for 2025, to provide another positive playing experience for all teams involved, with the Champions promoted to League One.
RFL Head of Development and General Manager of the BWSL, Thomas Brindle, says: “As Women’s Rugby League continues to grow, we remain committed to working closely with clubs and management groups to provide the best possible experience. This includes aligning our efforts with the broader Women’s and Girls’ strategy.
“Last year marked a significant milestone for us, with record-breaking numbers across all tiers and improved completion rates. The National Pyramid also provided clear pathways for teams to achieve promotion to the Betfred Women’s Super League.
“Building on this progress, we recognised the need for adjustments to better accommodate and support more teams in Tiers 2 and 3 moving into 2025. Without these changes, growth could be hindered, and opportunities limited for several clubs. As a result, we’ve expanded the Northern Championship to 12 teams, which includes Cardiff Demons and London Broncos from the Southern Championship.
“This expansion shows growth again for teams in structured competition across the northern regions, fostering development and creating more opportunities for teams to thrive.”
A full list of fixtures including Grand Final venues for all three competitions will be confirmed in the New Year.
