Roughyeds Women have lift-off
Oldham Roughyeds Women's rugby team is making significant progress, with a strong squad of 28 players already assembled and plans to join the Women's Northern League 2 in 2026. The team has attracted both experienced and new local players, with training sessions ongoing. There is strong support from the community and the club's management, highlighting a positive development for women's rugby in the area.
Roughyeds Women eye 2026 league entry after rapid five-week buildup
Oldham’s fledgling women’s rugby league side will formally ask the RFL to admit them to competitive competition next season, only eight weeks after the club announced the team’s creation.
Head coach Ben Marsden revealed the submission is already being prepared after 28 players - ranging from Jamaica captain Darcey Price to complete novices - attended the first five Monday-night sessions at the Netpar Training Centre.
“We are confident that we can be in a league structure next year and play competitive rugby and our application is currently being put to the RFL,” Marsden told Roughyeds TV. “The commitment from the players who have come down is fantastic to see; there has been a massive buy-in locally and attracted various experiences with some who haven’t played before and some with long CVs.”
Team manager Natalie Howarth, working alongside Marsden, said the target is direct entry into Women’s Northern League 2, where Oldham would face Rochdale Mayfield, Ashton Bears and Thatto Heath Crusaders. Boundary Park will stage a War of the Roses women’s fixture between Lancashire and Yorkshire on 18 October, preceded by an under-13 girls’ game featuring Waterhead, as the club continues to promote the women’s game. New players can still join by turning up to Monday sessions at Netpar.
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