Leeds Rhinos to kick off WSL against York Valkyrie

Leeds Rhinos will play York Valkyrie when the reigning Women's Super League champions get the 2023 season under way on 9 April with a rematch against the team they beat in last season's final.

The meeting, at Headingley on Easter Sunday, will be part of a Super League double bill, followed by the Rhinos' men meeting Huddersfield Giants.

The rest of the Women's Super League programme kicks off a week later.

York will host more silverware holders, Challenge Cup winners St Helens.

Saints beat Leeds in May's final, but the Rhinos got their revenge in the Women's Super League play-offs before going on to beat York City Knights, who have since rebranded as Valkyrie.

"There is more excitement and anticipation than ever around women's rugby league in 2023 after the national impact made by England's performances in the World Cup," said WSL general manager Thomas Brindle.

"To kick off with a repeat of last year's Grand Final is another first for the competition, and another big stage for a lot of those England players.