Saint Helens women begin their challenge cup title defence against Barrow Raiders Ladies

Saturday 12th March sees the return of women’s rugby league, and kicks off a years which builds to a home world cup later in the year.

St Helens women begin their challenge cup title defences against the newly promoted Barrow Raiders ladies in the first round, a game in which BBC sport will be showing live.

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Barrow, who gained promotion to the women’s super league with an impressive second placed championship finish behind fellow promoted side Leigh Miners, are one of 16 teams drawn into four groups of four teams.

All the sides will be aiming to reach the grand final on Saturday 7th May at Elland road, as part of a triple header including the men’s challenge cup.

St Helens go into the game as favourites following their dominating 2021 treble winning season.

Prost spoke to St Helens, and England international Amy Hardcastle ahead of the first game to get her views on the up coming fixture and season.

“I’m really excited to be getting back out on the field with the girls, it feels like way too long since we last played together. We have had a tough pre-season, focusing a lot on conditioning, pushing our personal boundaries with our fitness levels, so, really excited to see the improvements with the team. This year, our aim is to continue with great defence and focus on completion. We will work even harder to ensure we keep hold of the treble title, we sure don’t want to let go of that now. Barrow will definitely give us a game, especially on home soil. I watched them against Huddersfield and I was really impressed with their forwards, they never went away, you just can not underestimate them.”

The game will be played at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium, which will be the first of two games of the weekend as the men take to the pitch and look to continue their unbeaten record on the Sunday against Workington town.

For a second consecutive season, Barrow Raiders Ladies number seven Jodie Litherland has been appointed captain for the season. She spoke on the appointment of her captaincy Lithergard to barrowrlfc:

“I felt strongly about all the new and past/old players gelling, coming together as one and to feel part of this new squad, and create an environment where we can strive together to be the best we can be. It obviously means a lot. Coming in with new coaching staff, it was never an expectation to be captain because new coaches can bring their own ideas. The fact that Amanda has selected me to be her captain is brilliant. I cant wait to improve underneath her and lead this team”

Coverage for the game starts at 2pm on BBC sport, BBC iPlayer and website. It will be a great chance for rugby fans to see the women’s game in all its glory and get behind the ever progressing game.