Former Rhinos skipper takes on new role with RFL

The Rugby Football League have announced that Courtney Winfield-Hill has joined the sport’s governing body as Senior Women and Girls’ Partner.

Courtney was one of the stars in the early years of the Betfred Women’s Super League, leading Leeds Rhinos to a Grand Final and Challenge Cup double in 2019 when she also won the Woman of Steel award as the outstanding player of the season.

Originally from Australia, where she played cricket for Queensland Fire and Brisbane Heat, she represented England at the Rugby League World Cup in 2022 having qualified on residency and is now married to the England cricket international Lauren Winfield-Hill.

Since retiring Courtney has gone on to take on various elite coaching positions in Cricket, including a role as head academy coach for the Northern Diamonds before a return to Brisbane in December last year.

She will be combining her new RFL role with regular work for Sky Sports as a member of their Rugby League team.

Courtney Winfield-Hill commented: “I’m really excited to be back working in Rugby League. There’s a real buzz around the sport at the moment and I can’t wait to get stuck in and help take the Women’s and Girls’ game to the next level, not just for this generation but for generations to come.

“I think being involved in elite sport in both the UK and Australia will help me bring some new ideas to the table and I’ve already got a tonne of things I’d like to do on the new Women’s Rugby League Instagram and TikTok channels – watch this space.”

RFL Director of Participation and Development, Marc Lovering, explained: “We are strengthening resources in every area which is vital to the development of the women’s game – from development pathways to a new national pyramid – and Courtney’s appointment is another example of this. She is an accomplished athlete in both Cricket and Rugby League and will bring a wealth of knowledge to the organisation. 

“As Senior Women and Girls’ Partner she’ll be focussing on areas such as social media, commercial opportunities and building contacts with other sports and we’re all looking forward to working with her as the season progresses.”

Courtney Winfield-Hill is available for interview regarding her new role, ahead of this weekend’s Women’s Rugby League Nines at Victoria Park in Warrington – featuring all eight teams from the Betfred Women’s Super League, and another eight from the next level of the newly-created Women’s Rugby League pyramid including Leamington Royals and Telford Raiders.