To put the victory over the RAF Women in perspective, and if you are new to our game, the last time an RNRL Womens team secured a win in the Inter Services was back in 2014. That game was against the RAF ending with a 20:10 victory for the Wrenegades at Burnaby Road. A special mention for last Thursday’s RN No 8, Rhian Dilmore, the only survivor of that game still to be pulling on the RN jersey. The following years were difficult times for RL across both RN and RAF being unable to field full squads resulting in a series of 9‘s fixtures involving all three services. Whilst RNRL had some modest success in these games it was always the ambition to attract sufficient players to develop the squad across the season and not just for Septembers Inter Services. Add to that the enforced Covid suspension of RN Sport it was a long road back for the Wrenegades.

The following reflections are from a very proud RNRL Womens Head Coach, Matt Bayliss

As the dust settles, reflection allows you to realise just how far this team has come and to end IS like the team did on Thursday is a testament to the players and what they’re now realising they’re finally able to achieve.

We started this camp with 8 debutants to rugby league as a whole, not just IS and moving into our third week we were joined by our 9th.

The progression and growth both on the pitch and as individuals has been a journey that should be admired and for the new players coming into the fold, the value and effort you have added to the shirt is also admirable.

Both WRNRL and RNRL is an association that backs, provides and encourages growth in every aspect.

To everyone who’s been a part of this journey from players, to coaches, backroom staff and the executive committee behind the team, thank you

Matt Bayliss
Head Coach RNRL Women Head

To relive the action from the past two weeks the following links provided by BFBS will get you there!

Royal Navy v Army Women(Highlights)
https://www.forcesnews.com/sport/rugby-league/defending-champions-make-strong-starts-inter-services-rugby-league?fbclid=IwY2xjawM9AhBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHl5qCwJ3Wh5r2AwPucNi3JCyp7C-LLPBLWH_aIe-6AQwuwRrz3rWMpO1bNlb_aem_OUn5nRsPDDzoRfq5qitqzA

Royal Air Force v Royal Navy Women (Full Match)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NR8E8voi0Y&t=914s