York Valkyrie tie down 2025 award winner after securing new deal for former Woman of Steel

York Valkyrie have tied down their 2025 Young Player of the Year just days after securing a new contract for captain, Sinead Peach, with both women inking new two-year deals to stay with the club until the end of 2027.

Peach, a Grand Final winner, starred in York’s 2023 Grand Final winning season, earning the Woman of Steel award for her efforts.

In 2024, she went on maternity leave and took a year out from the game. Returning this year, she has once again been a focal point in the Valkyrie side this year, however she found herself on the wrong side of the disciplinary panel, after picking up a four-match ban for foul and abusive language towards a match official.

Having already completed half of that suspension, the 27-year-old will miss the opening two games of the season next year, regardless of whether that is in the Challenge Cup or Women’s Super League.

Peach isn’t the only player to secure a new deal as 2025 breakout star Evie Sexton has penned a two-year deal as well, scoring six tries in 12 appearances from second-row last season.

York Valkyrie continue squad-building with two-year deals for star pair

York are one of only a select number of clubs to be able to offer professional contracts in the women’s game, with Peach becoming one of the first players to do so in 2023.

Next season will see them have a new head coach, with former Super League Grand Final winner Leon Pryce taking over from Lindsay Anfield.

Commenting on her new deal, which will keep her at the club for a sixth and seventh season, Peach said: “I’m excited to be re-signing with the Valks for 2026.