“A bright future” – St Helens make ground breaking announcement

St Helens have made the groundbreaking announcement that their women’s team will receive match payments for the first time.

This comes just one year after Leeds Rhinos made history by becoming the first British women’s rugby league team to make matchday players to their players.

Only two sides, the Rhinos and York Valkyrie, had made this move before Saints today.

The Saints’ women’s side have won three consecutive Challenge Cup titles, and also won the League Leaders’ Shield and Grand Final in a historic treble-winning 2021.

“For all the women that went before us” – St Helens captain Jodie Cunnigham has her say

England and St Helens captain said about the news: “To say we are paid for what we offer on the rugby field as athletes now is a really proud moment for me personally.

“However, today’s announcement isn’t just about what this means to us as individuals.

It’s about all the young girls that we are making new and better things possible for, and it’s for all the women that went before us in women’s rugby league that weren’t supported and provided opportunities like we are lucky to have now at this great club, and as part of the Women’s Super League.”

“A proud moment”

St Helens CEO Mike Rush about how much the move means to the club, saying: “Today is a proud moment and the first step in rewarding the women who represent this great club.

“This is the start of a long journey, like in 1873 and the broken time payments for the men, the reward of match payments for the women is a starting point for our club.

St. Helens Women start their 2024 season with a home fixture against London Broncos to the Totally Wicked Stadium on Saturday, 16th March, and tickets for that game can be purchased here, while 2024 club members get access to their home fixtures for free.