York Valkyrie have entered into a dual registration agreement with Sheffield Eagles from the 2024 season

The partnership will allow the Valkyrie’s squad players to gain valuable game time in the Women’s Championship with Sheffield, while the Eagles’ elite players will be given the opportunity to train with Lindsay Anfield’s side, who won the Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final and League Leaders' Shield last season.

The agreement follows Sheffield’s move to financially rewards its female players, joining York and other Betfred Women’s Super League clubs in backing the growth of the women’s game, with the Valkyrie becoming the first BWSL club to tie its players down to professional contracts earlier this year.

On the partnership, Director of Rugby Lindsay Anfield said: “I’ve known Andrea Dobson (Sheffield's Foundation Development Officer) for a long time, having played with each other since we were 18-years-old and now trying to progress the women’s game through coaching.

“In the Betfred Women’s Super League, you need a big squad but, due to the nature of the league, you can’t give everyone lots of game-time.

“In order to be able to allow players to put what they’re learning in training into practise, they need to play, so to be able to allow them that opportunity through dual registration is hugely beneficial.

“At Sheffield, Andrea has got a number of really talented players who want exposure to the training standards of a higher level. This dual registration agreement gives those players that opportunity to train alongside the best players in the country here at York.

“It’s also fantastic to see Sheffield move to financially reward their female players from next year as the women’s game continues to go from strength to strength.”

Sheffield Eagles Director of Rugby Mark Aston added: “Last year at Sheffield, we set out our '#OneClub' approach with our Women’s and Wheelchair teams playing in the same kits and, the women playing their games at the Olympic Legacy Park Stadium.

“The team have had two years of success and because we can use the Stadium for Women’s games to generate additional revenue, we have been able to move forward in financially rewarding the women’s side for their on-field success and commitment to the club.

“As we enter our 40th season as a club, it's really exciting to be able to enter this partnership with York and would like to thank Lindsay and the team for their support as we look to progress the women’s team here in Sheffield.”