YORK VALKYRIE SIGN YOUNGSTERS CHLOE SMITH AND EVA IZUMI

York Valkyrie has announced the double signing of teenage pair Chloe Smith and Eva Izumi. Smith has previously represented Betfred Women’s Super League sides Huddersfield Giants and Castleford Tigers, spending 2022 with the latter.

The 18-year-old adds further depth at half-back positions for Director of Rugby Lindsay Anfield, who also boasts Sade Rihari, Liv Gale and Georgie Hetherington in her ranks.

Izumi joins from last year’s Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup quarter-finalists Oulton Raidettes, having featured for Castleford earlier in her career.

The 19-year-old winger was previously part of England’s Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme, the first step on the England Performance Pathway.

On signing Smith, Anfield said: “Chloe is an exciting young prospect, so I’m delighted to bring her to the Club.

“Young players with good half-back skill sets are hard to come by, plus we've been really pleased with Chloe's commitment and enthusiasm in training.

“Chloe came to an Under-19s Trial session and clearly stood out. She asked for a trial with the first team and after a month or so, she hasn’t missed a session and she’s worked extremely hard.

“She’s showed the potential to become decent athlete and has a good understanding of rugby league for a young player, so we were keen to keep her in our squad.

“Chloe has strong ball-handling skills and has also shown an ability to strike the ball well when kicking.

“She has a lot to learn about playing half-back at this level, but is developing well and showing progress every week.”

Anfield added on bringing Izumi to the Valkyrie: “I’ve worked with Eva since she was 16-years-old and she has always been a raw rugby league talent.

“She’s very powerful, quick and probably underestimates how good she could go on to become.

“She has a lot to learn but has committed really well to our programme and is already making a lot of progress.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what she can do over the next few years, if she stays as dedicated as she has been to the Club so far.”

York Valkyrie begin their home campaign in the 2023 Betfred Women's Super League against St Helens at the LNER Community Stadium on Sunday 16th April (3pm).

Tickets are priced at £5 for Adults and Concessions and FREE for Under-16s and are available to purchase HERE.