A groundbreaking new exhibition has opened at the University of Huddersfield, shining a well-deserved spotlight on the untold story of women’s rugby league. The Pioneers: Women in Rugby League celebrates the trailblazing women who shaped the sport, from grassroots beginnings on muddy northern pitches to the bright lights of Wembley Stadium.
Hosted at Heritage Quay, the university’s archive centre, the exhibition showcases rare and remarkable artefacts – including never-before-seen photographs, historic kit, trophies, and personal memorabilia – revealing the courage, passion, and determination of the women who broke boundaries in the game. Teams from Yorkshire, Cumbria, and the North West are all celebrated, alongside the pioneering Fulham team of the 1980s.
The collection has grown dramatically thanks to the efforts of former referee and administrator Julia Lee, who has worked closely with the University and Heritage Quay over the past four years to preserve and document the sport’s hidden history. What began as a single box of material has now grown by an astonishing 7,500%, ensuring that future generations can discover these inspiring stories.
Dr Becky Bowd, University Archivist and Records Manager, said, “It’s incredibly exciting to share this history for the first time. Women’s rugby league has fought hard for recognition, and this exhibition pays tribute to the pioneers who made today’s success possible.”
Julia Lee added, “This exhibition offers a unique insight into those early years and highlights the incredible contributions of the women who built the foundations of the game. We’re thrilled to see their legacy recognised and preserved.”
To bring the exhibition to life, a special event, Pioneers of Women’s Sport, will take place on Tuesday, 21 October, featuring two Rugby League Hall of Famers and an England Lioness sharing their stories on stage.
The Pioneers: Women in Rugby League runs from Friday 3 October to 6 February 2026 at Heritage Quay, University of Huddersfield. The exhibition is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with free admission. For more details, visit www.heritagequay.org/events.
