Today’s announcement that the Canberra Raiders will field a women’s rugby league team next year is welcome news and highlights the growing popularity of women’s sport in Canberra and around Australia.
The Australian Rugby League Commission today announced the NRLW will expand from six to 10 teams, with the Canberra Raiders among the new clubs to enter the league in 2023.
“Female participation in rugby league has been growing year on year, so it’s great to see there will be an opportunity for first grade representation here in Canberra for women’s rugby league,” said Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry.
Further demonstrating the ACT Government’s role in promoting and growing women’s sport, the ACT Government will provide financial support to the new Canberra Raiders NRLW team.
“We have some amazing female players in Canberra and an NRLW team will provide young rugby league players an opportunity to aspire to compete from grassroots through to elite level competition,” said Minister Berry.
The announcement comes just days out from the Ampol Women’s State of Origin to be played at GIO Stadium on Friday 24 June, the first time the game will be played on neutral territory.
“I really encourage Canberrans to get out to GIO Stadium for what will be a great game, and a sign of things to come for women’s sport in 2023,” said Minister Berry.
