Wigan Warriors Women Set to Make History at the DW Stadium

Wigan, 23rd March 2023 – History will be made this evening as Wigan Warriors’ women’s team takes to the field at the DW Stadium for the first time. For lifelong Wigan fan Rachel Thompson, this is a dream come true.

The Warriors’ women’s team will open their Super League season against newly-promoted Barrow Raiders (5:30pm kick-off), ahead of the men’s Round 8 clash with Castleford Tigers (8pm kick-off).

A Historic Moment for the Club and the Player

Thompson was the very first player to sign for Wigan’s women’s team when it was founded in 2018, and she went on to win the Super League Grand Final at the first attempt, scoring a hat-trick in the final against Leeds Rhinos.

After missing the entire 2022 season due to serious injuries, the 29-year-old, who also works for the club, is thrilled to be back on the pitch.

“It’s not something I could even think about it, but it’ll be emotional and it’ll be something the girls are all looking forward to,” she said.

While a handful of Thompson’s teammates have previously played at the DW Stadium for England, this evening’s clash will be a first for the majority of the Wigan squad. The loose forward hopes that landmark events like this can inspire young girls to pursue their rugby league dreams.

“We want young girls to be able to see something they can aspire to do, and hopefully years down the line they’ll be getting to play every week at the DW Stadium, that’s the bigger picture,” she added.

A Coaching Veteran Leads the Way

Wigan’s women’s team is led by the experienced Denis Betts, who has returned to the club after a successful coaching career, including a spell as the Warriors’ interim men’s head coach in 2004. Betts is excited by the squad’s enthusiasm and desire to improve.

“They want to know more and get better, so as a coach, that’s what I want. I want the girls to thrive and get better within the environment we can set,” Betts said.

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