Established in 2018, Rochdale Valkyries are a ladies development team that has grown year on year. As we approach the 2023/24 season, in the North West Allianz Inner Warrior Series, we are sure this is going to be our best season yet!

Why choose Rugby?
Women’s rugby is one of the fastest-growing females sports. It allows women to break from stereotypical norms and try something different, whilst benefitting physically, mentally and socially at the same time.

Why choose Rochdale Valkyries?
Our ethos has always been #youcanplay. Here at Rochdale we are a friendly, fun and welcoming club: passionate about rugby and it’s inclusiveness. There is a place for every size, shape, age, occupation and fitness level on the pitch and in our team, and that is the beauty of rugby. We can offer training and fitness opportunities through rugby as well as competitive matches throughout the season.

Rochdale RUFC Girls Section
We are very proud to have x3 girls teams this season: Under 12s, Under 14s, and Under 16s. Like the ladies, the girls section is growing from strength to strength and we can not thank all the managers and coaches enough for all they are doing to support the next generation of Valkyries. More information on our girls section can be found here: Junior Girls Section - Rochdale Rugby Union Football Club (rrufc.org)

Here is what one of our squad had to say:
Team sport hasn’t always been very easy for me to participate in but at the first training session with the Valkyries I was made to feel relaxed and confident to learn. Rugby can be quite an intimidating sport but the coaches and team at Rochdale put me at ease and allowed me to learn at my own pace.

I was welcomed into the womens team with open arms and following in the footsteps of my father, grandfather and great uncle, I have enjoyed all aspects of the game since. The camaraderie within the team and support we offer one another on and off the pitch is underpinned by a fantastic network of coaches, physios and committee members. We often go out on social events, attend rugby championships and regularly train in the gym together- there’s also a calendar!

If you’re a newbie to rugby and fancy a go or experienced and want to get back into the game then the Valkyries will welcome you.
Ruth Jakeman


Who do I need to contact?
We have a small committee, who manage the ladies team:

Team Captain & Representative: Hollie Dews
Vice Team Captain: Abbey Clough
Fixtures Secretary: Janett Morton
Social Secretaries: Rachel Hodgkinson & Georgia Sunderland
Membership & GMS Rep: Louise Reilly
Safeguarding & Welling Representative: Josie Higgins
Girls Representative: Lily Mangan
Coaching Team: Isaac Butterworth, Billy Daffen, Tim Taylor, Callum Daffen & Ben Coulter

For more information contact us at at rrufcladies@gmail.com or on our social media platforms. Facebook Group: Rochdale RUFC Ladies - The Valkyries / Instagram: @rochdalerufc_ladies

Our Squad 2023/24

Abbey Clough (VC) Fran Bailey Learna Brown
Abi-Jayne Leaver Georgia Sunderland Lily Mangan
Amy Brierley Georgina Sutton Louise Reilly
Catherine Corless Hannah Rigby Natalie Howarth
Charlotte Marks Hollie Dews (C) Rachel Hodgkinson
Coral Huggins Holly Cruddace Rhian Kennett
Elaine Foran Janett Morton Ruth Jakeman
Elise Tootell Janine Chapman Samantha O’Brien
Emma Connolly Josie Higgins Shauna-Leigh Moore
Erin Smith Katie Moore Shelley McHugh
Zena Shuttleworth