York Valkyrie emerged victorious in the Women’s Super League Grand Final, edging out Wigan Warriors by a narrow 8-6 margin. This triumph marked York’s third championship title, adding to their back‑to‑back victories in 2023 and 2024, and cementing their place in the history books as the first club to claim three Women's Super League crowns. The final was staged at the Brick Community Stadium, where the atmosphere was electric from the first whistle.
York struck first blood early in the match when centre Sinead Peach powered over the try line, securing the opening score for the home side. Ellie Williamson, York’s reliable kicker, successfully converted the try, putting the Valkyrie ahead and setting the tone for a tightly contested battle.
Wigan, refusing to be intimidated, responded with determination. In the first half, the Warriors orchestrated a well‑executed move that saw Jenna Foubister feed the ball to Mia‑Jayne Atherton, who crossed the line for an equalising try.
Isabel Rowe then added the conversion, restoring parity and ensuring the scores were level at the break. The game’s intensity escalated as both teams vied for dominance.
Early in the second half, disciplinary action came into play when Atherton was sin‑binned for a professional foul. Wigan’s Eva Hunter also found herself in the sin‑bin after a dangerous tackle on York’s prop Jas Bell; she narrowly avoided a red card, which would have left her side a player short for the remainder of the match. While the Warriors were down a player, York capitalized on the opportunity. Williamson stepped up and slotted a decisive penalty kick, nudging York back into the lead at 8-6.
The Valkyrie would never relinquish that slender advantage. York’s attacking threat remained potent after the restart. Amelie Lenham, the teenage sensation who would later be named player of the match, made several incisive runs and came agonisingly close to extending the lead with a near‑miss try.
Meanwhile, forward Liv Wood broke through the defensive line but was tackled just short of the try line, underscoring the fierce defensive resolve on both sides. The second half turned into a showcase of relentless pressure from Wigan, who launched wave after wave of attacks, seeking to overturn the deficit.
York’s defence, however, stood firm. In a series of crucial moments, Lenham displayed remarkable composure and defensive acumen, making several try‑saving tackles that preserved York’s lead. Her performance epitomised the team’s collective grit and contributed heavily to her being honoured as the match’s standout player. As the final whistle blew, York celebrated not only a hard‑fought victory but also a historic milestone: becoming the first club to secure three Women’s Super League titles.
The celebrations took on a personal, fairy‑tale dimension when Lisa Parker’s fiancé, who had been watching the match, proposed to her on the field. Parker, who had played through the final with a broken hand, accepted the proposal, adding a heart‑warming chapter to an already memorable evening.
Beyond the on‑field drama, the match also served as a curtain‑call for the Betfred Women’s Super League season. Several Wigan players – including Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter, and Megan Williams – emerged as strong contenders for the upcoming 2026 Woman of Steel Award, which will be presented at the Rugby League Awards ceremony in Manchester on Tuesday. Looking ahead, fans are already turning their attention to the next season’s climax: the Betfred Super League Grand Final.
The showcase event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+ on Saturday, October 3, from 5 pm, with a streaming option available on NOW for those without a traditional TV subscription. In summary, the 2025 Women’s Super League Grand Final was a tightly contested affair that highlighted York Valkyrie’s resilience, strategic kicking, and defensive solidity.
Their ability to seize critical moments – particularly the penalty that restored their lead – proved decisive. The match also underscored the rising talent within the women’s game, with young stars like Amelie Lenham delivering performances that belied their age. As the league looks forward to another season of thrilling rugby, York’s historic triple‑crown will stand as a benchmark for excellence and an inspiration for clubs across the competition.