Cardiff Demons aim for Women’s Super League franchise

James Gordon

The Cardiff Demons brand has been resurrected as the new name for a Welsh side aiming for a place in the Women’s Super League.

The original Demons were founded back in 1997 as a men’s RFL academy side and went on to join the Rugby League Conference, before merging with Cardiff Spartans for 2015.

A public poll decided the new name, with the team due to play out of the iconic Cardiff Arms Park and train at the University of South Wales.

Wales RL Gareth Kear CEO said: “The new Women’s Super League team is part of a joint strategy between the WRL and RFL to create a much-needed elite level between Community and International levels to help further develop the best female players and coaches in South Wales.

“The Demons will play four regular season matches in a three-team league as well as playing for their WRL community clubs.

“It is an incredibly exciting for Rugby League in Wales and especially for women.

“Our vision is for this team to become a semi-professional team playing against the very best teams like Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls.”

Cardiff Demons will take on the Golden Ferns from Bristol and Cornish Rebels in Redruth home and away, with the top two of the three going on to meet the top two from the East of England Division where Bedford Tigers, London Broncos and the British Army are competing.

That match will be on Saturday August 14, with the Grand Final on Sunday August 29.

Ian Newbury, whose first rugby league club was Cardiff Demons over a decade ago, and won a full international cap in 2016, will be the side’s head coach.

He said: “It was a hard process to find a name, but it was a resounding victory to bring back the Demons.

“I’m excited to get going and look to push for the finals. With the community game starting on June 12, its an opportunity for all players in Wales to put their hand up for selection. Wales Rugby League are creating a great pathway for women’s sport and I’m honoured to be a part of it.”

Newbury is also the Wales Women’s international side assistant coach, and 17 of the 24 strong squad announced this week for the test match against England on June 25 will all play for the new Cardiff Demons and be dual registered with their WRL Community clubs.