In 1995, I approached Professor Margaret Talbot to ask for support in providing training facilities for the Great Britain Women’s Rugby League team. At the time, the team had very limited funding and little recognition or support from the governing body. Professor Talbot showed real leadership and belief in equality in sport by giving us access to university facilities, allowing the players to prepare in an environment worthy of international athletes.
The impact of that support was huge. The team went on to achieve remarkable success, becoming the last senior Great Britain side to defeat Australia in a three-Test series and winning six of our seven matches on tour. Despite that achievement, there was very little recognition when the team returned home.
It was only many years later, through the 2022 Heritage Lottery-funded Life with the Lionesses project, that these pioneering women finally received the recognition they deserved. Seventy-two players were awarded their international caps and heritage numbers, and women were formally recognised within the Rugby League Hall of Fame at Headingley Stadium. The 1996 Great Britain Women’s team also became the first team to be collectively inducted into the Hall of Fame, which was a proud and long-overdue moment for everyone involved.
1996
2026
