Established in 2018, Rochdale Valkyries are a development team that has grown year on year. As we approach the 2022/23 season, in the North West Allianz Inner Warrior Series, we are keen to grow and welcome new and existing players to join our squad. We currently train Tuesday evenings 6.45pm - 8pm and play competitive games on a flexible basis.

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.

Here are what some of our squad had to say:

It’s a family affair

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: Hollie Dews
Team Representative: Josie Higgins
Fixtures Secretary: Janett Morton
Social Secretaries: Rachel Hodgkinson & Georgia Sunderland
Additional Members: Louise Rielly, Janine Chapman & Coral Higgins
Coaching Team: Paul Swinden & Isaac Butterworth

For more information contact us at rrufcladies@gmail.com

Our Squad 2022/23

  • Hollie Dews (C)
  • Louise Rielly (VC)
  • Janett Morton
  • Coral Higgins
  • Josie Higgins
  • Janine Chapman
  • Georgia Sunderland
  • Rachel Hodgkinson
  • Ruth Jakeman
  • Abbey Clough
  • Emma Connolly
  • Amy Brierley
  • Ebony Gregg
  • Beth Harris
  • Sam O’Brien
  • Nina Zebedee-Howarth
  • Shelly McHugh
  • Lucy Wilkinson
  • Kay Clough
  • Caroline Campbell
  • Emma Roche
  • Kate Grant
  • Erin Smith