A brand new ERA for York City Knights! York RLFC - the men’s team is now known as the Knights, and the women’s team receive a brand new identity as the Valkyrie.

From this day forward, rugby league in York will carry a new name. Replacing York City Knights will be York RLFC, with the Men’s team known as the Knights and the Women’s receiving their brand new identity of the Valkyrie.

A new look for York RLFC, one that will take them into a future for the Club and sport that will be at the forefront.

Newly renamed as York RLFC, the Club will look to capitalise further on over 150 years of history of rugby league throughout the city. With newly reformed links with their past players epitomised by the success of their Heritage Project earlier this season, York RLFC is a club that incorporates the 134 years of history prior to the formation of York City Knights in the early noughties, 134 years of players who represented this city with passion and pride.

At the forefront of the women’s game, it’s time for the Club to take a bold step in giving this team its own identity.

In Nordic history, the Valkyrie were a group of warrior goddesses who protected the Gods and chose which of the fallen were worthy of being taken to Valhalla.

Known for their strength, courage, endurance, agility and durability, the attributes shown by the Valkyrie are epitomised by York Women’s team, one that we all believe can become the very best in this, the greatest game of all.

York RLFC believes that any child should be able to aspire to play for a club that represents them, and you can’t be what you can’t see. York Valkyrie are female warriors and elite professional rugby league players – opportunities that we are keen to provide to those youngsters, both as potential players and in our community.

Discussing the new look, York Valkyrie Director of Rugby Lindsay Anfield said: “I like the similarity between the two, and it shows the equality between the two teams. I love the identity for both teams, and it’s great to have our own. The Knights was a great brand to play under, but this is a great way to support our women’s team with their own identity.

“I know that the girls will be proud to represent the Valkyrie, and it makes next year all the more special knowing it’s our first under that brand. One thing that comes to mind, especially through discussions with people at the Club, is that any female from any race or culture can see themselves in the Valkyrie logo. That can only help strengthen our appeal.

“It would be great to cap that off with another big year for the team, and I know all the players will be doing their utmost to perform to a high level every week.

York Knights captain Chris Clarkson also shared his views. “I like it. It’s bringing York RLFC back together and modernising the look of the team as well. I’m really proud to have played my small part in the journey in my time at York, and being captain is something I’m really proud of.

“It’s like a brother and sister look, which brings the two teams together but with their own identity. I think it’s a great move for the Club. It brings back York RLFC

from years past and links it nicely with the modern-day Knights – it’s part of the future, and I’m looking forward to continuing to play my part in that.”