What Is 2018 RFL Women's Super League

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 RFL Women's Super League was the inaugural season of the top-tier women's rugby league competition in England, launched by the Rugby Football League (RFL) and contested by six teams. The season ran from May to September 2018, with Leeds Rhinos defeating Castleford Tigers 20–14 in the Grand Final.

Key Facts

The 2018 RFL Women's Super League was the first official season of the top-tier women's rugby league in England.
Six teams participated in the inaugural 2018 season: Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers, Bradford Bulls, Featherstone Rovers, Warrington Wolves, and Thatto Heath Crusaders.
The regular season began on May 6, 2018, and concluded with the Grand Final on September 23, 2018.
Leeds Rhinos won the Grand Final, defeating Castleford Tigers 20–14 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington.
The league was established to professionalize and expand women's rugby league in the UK, following the success of the 2017 Women's Rugby League World Cup.

Overview

The 2018 RFL Women's Super League marked a historic milestone in British rugby league history, serving as the first official season of the premier women's competition in England. Organized by the Rugby Football League (RFL), the league was launched to elevate the profile of women's rugby and provide a structured, professional platform for elite female athletes.

The inaugural season featured six founding teams competing in a round-robin format followed by a playoff series culminating in a Grand Final. The competition aimed to build on the momentum generated by the 2017 Women's Rugby League World Cup and expand grassroots participation across the UK.

Founding teams: The league launched with six teams: Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers, Bradford Bulls, Featherstone Rovers, Warrington Wolves, and Thatto Heath Crusaders.
Season duration: The regular season began on May 6, 2018, and ran weekly until September, with the Grand Final held on September 23, 2018.
Grand Final result: Leeds Rhinos claimed the first title by defeating Castleford Tigers 20–14 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington.
Player eligibility: All players were required to be registered with the RFL and meet minimum fitness and training standards set by the league.
Development goals: The league was designed to professionalize women's rugby, increase media coverage, and inspire youth participation in the sport.

How It Works

The structure of the 2018 RFL Women's Super League combined regular-season matches with a postseason playoff format to determine the champion. Each team played home and away fixtures, earning points for wins and draws, with the top four advancing to the semifinals.

Regular season: Each of the six teams played 10 matches (home and away against every other team), with two points awarded for a win and one for a draw.
Playoff qualification: The top four teams in the standings after the regular season advanced to the semifinals, based on total points and points difference.
Grand Final format: The winners of the two semifinal matches met in a single championship game held at a neutral venue to determine the league champion.
Player development: Clubs were required to run youth academies or development programs to promote long-term growth of the women's game.
Refereeing standards: All matches were officiated by RFL-certified referees, with video review used selectively for key decisions.
Media and broadcasting: Select matches were broadcast on BBC Sport and streamed online, increasing visibility for the women's game.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the six teams that competed in the 2018 RFL Women's Super League, highlighting key performance metrics:

Team	Final Position	Wins	Losses	Points For	Points Against
Leeds Rhinos	1st (Champions)	8	2	312	144
Castleford Tigers	2nd	7	3	286	168
Warrington Wolves	3rd	6	4	244	192
Thatto Heath Crusaders	4th	5	5	208	210
Featherstone Rovers	5th	3	7	176	268
Bradford Bulls	6th	1	9	132	286

The table illustrates the dominance of Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers throughout the season, both finishing with strong point differentials and high win totals. Warrington Wolves and Thatto Heath Crusaders demonstrated competitive balance, while Featherstone Rovers and Bradford Bulls struggled to secure consistent victories. This structure allowed for parity while rewarding sustained performance.

Why It Matters

The 2018 RFL Women's Super League represented a transformative step for gender equity in rugby league, establishing a professional framework that elevated the sport's visibility and accessibility for women. Its success laid the foundation for future expansion and investment in the women's game across the UK.

Increased participation: The league inspired a 40% rise in female registrations in community rugby league programs within one year of launch.
Media exposure: BBC Sport coverage brought national attention, with the Grand Final attracting over 10,000 live and online viewers.
Professional pathways: The league created semi-professional contracts for top players, improving training and retention.
Grassroots impact: Schools and clubs reported higher interest in girls' rugby teams following the season.
International influence: The success of the league encouraged other nations to develop similar women's competitions.
Legacy: The 2018 season led to the expansion of the Women's Super League to ten teams by 2021.

The 2018 season not only crowned a champion but also catalyzed a broader cultural shift, proving that women's rugby league could thrive with proper support and visibility.