Girls Champions Schools Final to open Magic Weekend

Rugby League today celebrates the boost for schools sport for girls on International Women's Day by confirming details of the first Girls Champion Schools Final at St James' Park as part of Super League's Magic Weekend in Newcastle.

The Year 10 Girls Final of the 2023 inspiresport Champion Schools will kick off the Magic Weekend on Saturday June 3 - before Salford Red Devils play Hull Kingston Rovers in the first Super League fixture of the weekend at 1.30pm.

Danika Priim, the former Leeds Rhinos and England forward who is now an award-winning pundit - and will join Sky's commentary team for the Betfred Super League fixture between Wigan Warriors and Catalans Dragons tomorrow night - said: 

"It's been an amazing day for girls' sport in schools with the success of the campaign led by the Lionesses, and it's great that Rugby League is a part of that.

"I think it's wonderful what the Lionesses have achieved off the field as well as on it - all of us involved in women's sport want to do our bit to promote positive change. I know Rugby League supported the Lionesses campaign with other sports, and the announcement of a girls' final being played as part of the Magic Weekend is another example of the progress that's being made.

"What an opportunity for the two teams who reach the Final - to play at St James' Park, and to kick off the Magic Weekend.

"When I was in Year 10, I wasn't even able to play Rugby League at my High School - I'd had to give up at the age of 13 which was the limit for mixed rugby, because there was no girls rugby available. I was still cheering on Leeds Rhinos from the South Stand at Headingley, but the thought of playing on that pitch was ridiculous.

"It's just incredible to see how far the game has come. We've got the Women's Super League about to kick off, playing in big stadiums, TV coverage, and it all starts at school. Simply amazing and I'm so proud to still be a part of it all in whatever capacity that might be!"

The inspiresport Champion Schools consists of 10 separate competitions, covering Years 7 to 11 for Boys and Girls - with qualifying matches through the spring term building to Finals which also include the Year 7 Boys Final at Wembley as the traditional curtain-raiser before the Challenge Cup Final on August 12 - this year a double header featuring the Women's Final as well as the Men's for the first time.

Tickets to Magic Weekend are still available to purchase here: https://www.superleague.co.uk/...