Two-time title-winning boss Lindsay Anfield has left York Valkyrie after five seasons in charge.
Anfield joined York in 2021 from Castleford Tigers and masterminded Grand Final wins in her second and third years there, when they became the first club to retain the Women’s Super League title.
Under Anfield, Valkyrie were also back-to-back league leaders, in 2022 and 2023 and reached the Challenge Cup final four years ago.
Anfield, who was Women’s Super League coach of the year in 2023, said: “I feel privileged to have been part of so many players’ lives and development and contributed to the growth of the Valkyrie.
“I wanted the players to feel valued and have positive experiences on and off the field. If I’ve achieved that, it has all been thanks to the support of the staff I’ve worked with and the buy-in from the girls.
“I’ve loved seeing so many girls taking up rugby league in York and following in the footsteps of the Valkyrie players who are outstanding role models for the game in the city.
“Over the past five seasons, I’ve worked to grow the female section of the club and I hope I leave the club in a better place than when I started.
“I’m proud to have given something back to the sport and I wish the players and staff all the very best as they continue their rugby journeys.”
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Club chairman Clint Goodchild paid tribute to the departing director of rugby, saying she “played an enormous role in shaping what the York Valkyrie have become”.
He said: “Her impact goes far beyond wins and trophies; she has helped build a culture of professionalism, belief and pride that has transformed women’s rugby league in York and across the country.
“Under her leadership the Valkyrie have gone from strength to strength, establishing themselves as one of the most respected and successful teams in the game.
“On behalf of everyone at York RLFC I want to thank Lindsay for everything she’s contributed, as a coach, a leader, and a pioneer. We wish her every success in the next chapter of her journey.”
Anfield’s next move has not been revealed though a return to Castleford, who she steered to the Challenge Cup final in 2018 and 2019 and the Grand Final six years ago, could be an option.
