Former York Valkyrie boss Lindsay Anfield has taken up a coaching role with Catalans Dragons Women ahead of the 2025 season.
Anfield made the shock call to leave her director of rugby position at the LNER Community Stadium in October after spending five seasons in North Yorkshire. During her time with the Valkyrie, Anfield won two Super League Grand Finals, collecting them back to back in 2023 and 2024.
And, she won two League Leaders’ Shields, too, ensuring her stay at York was more than successful. York have moved swiftly to find a replacement with Leon Pryce appointed as head coach and now Anfield has found a new role, too, taking on a position at Catalans.
She’ll work alongside Guy Campourcy, Victoria Bobo and Jeremie Bonafos in the role and she took charge of her first training camp this weekend in Saint-Esteve and Le Barcares.
Catalans have invested in their women’s team over the off-season with a number of signings being made from down under to signal their intentions. Felila Kia and Tyra Wetere will both be representing the Dragons next season and the addition of Anfield provides genuine coaching pedigree and know how.
Anfield’s exit from York came as something as a surprise, with the Knights finishing third in Super League before being beaten by St Helens in the play-offs. And, in an emotional statement upon her departure, she said:
“After five years, I feel privileged to have been part of so many players’ lives and development, and contributed to the growth of the Valkyrie,” she said.
“I wanted the players to feel valued and have positive experiences on and off the field. If I’ve achieved that, it’s all been thanks to the support of the staff I’ve worked with and the buy-in from the girls.
“I’ve loved seeing so many girls taking up rugby league in York and following in the footsteps of the Valkyrie players who are outstanding role models for the game in the city… and my daughter!
“Over the past five seasons, I’ve worked to grow the female section of the club to what is now a thriving Pathway 2 Performance, Under 19s and first-team women. I hope I have the club in a better place than when I started.
“I’m proud to have given something back to the sport, and I wish the players and staff all the very best as they continue their rugby journeys.”
