Roughyeds Women to enter League 3

The new Roughyeds women's team can now look forward to a competitive season in 2026

Oldham RLFC have confirmed that the club's application to enter Roughyeds Women into the Rugby Football League structure has been successful, and their team will play in a new Northern League 3 next season.

Just five months after its launch, the new women's team can now look forward to a competitive season in 2026, with the RFL set to confirm both fixtures and league structure early in the New Year.

The year will start with a friendly against Keighley Cougars at Cougar Park on February 8. 

Led by head coach Ben Marsden, the squad boasts a mixture of experienced and international stars alongside new local talent inspired to pick up a rugby ball for the very first time.

Training sessions at Netpar training centre have seen squad numbers grow week on week.

"We were very confident with our application and are delighted that our hard work so far has been recognised with the opportunity to play competitive games straight away," said Marsden.

"We have a great group of players here already and some real talent - I am looking forward to seeing what we can do as a team."

Team manager Natalie Howarth added: "We have been really happy with the commitment so far and the players have shown real dedication over the last 16 weeks.

"We have increased the intensity every week so far and the response from everyone has been brilliant."

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.