(Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography)
York Valkyrie have celebrated becoming the 2026 Betfred Women’s Super League Champions with a trophy parade along the River Ouse.
The team were met with cheers as they lifted the trophy while walking through York on Monday evening (September 28).
Captain Sinead Peach then proudly held the trophy high after the team boarded a City Cruises boat and paraded along the River Ouse from King’s Staith.
York Valkyrie lift the Super League on the River Ouse on Monday (September 28) (Image: Dylan Connell)
York Valkyrie celebrate on the River Ouse on Monday (September 28) after becoming Super League champions for the third time (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography)
York Valkyrie fans gathered in King’s Staith to show their support for the players after winning the Grand Final for the third time on Sunday.
Charlotte Morgan and her 14-year-old daughter Esmee Vince-Morgan, both from York, travelled to Wigan to watch the Valkyrie triumph 8-6 over Wigan Warriors.
“It was pretty cool,” said Esmee. “It was a really good atmosphere.
“We were way louder than the Wigan fans – and there were way more Wigan fans.
“It was very tense, but it was good game.”
Esmee Vince-Morgan, 14, showing her support for York Valkyrie at the trophy parade on Monday (September 28) (Image: Dylan Connell)
York Valkyrie fans celebrate the side becoming Super League champions for the third time (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography)
Esmee plays rugby for York Acorn U14s Girls and said she had been inspired by the Valkyrie.
She said she was looking forward to cheering on the team at the parade – particularly her favourite player, Jas Bell.
Asked what she would do if she saw Bell, Esmee replied: “Give her a hug.”
David Nicholson at the York Valkyrie trophy parade on Monday (September 28) (Image: Dylan Connell)
York Valkyrie lift the Super League in King's Staith on Monday (September 28) (Image: Dylan Connell)
David Nicholson, 79, from York, said it was “absolutely fantastic” to watch the Valkyrie lift the trophy.
He said he has been following the Valkyrie since the club was established in 2016, but could not attend the game in Wigan on Sunday so wanted to show his support at the trophy parade instead.
“I’ve never seen a display like it,” he said of Sunday’s match. “The defence – you couldn’t fault it.”
David said it was “great” to see the Valkyrie doing so well.
“With the Knights being in the Super League as well, it’s absolutely fantastic,” he added.
Will Pierson, 12, before cheering on York Valkyrie on Monday (September 28) (Image: Dylan Connell)
York Valkyrie celebrate after becoming Super League champions for the third time (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography)
Twelve-year-old Will Pierson and his mum Julie, both from York, were also in King’s Staith on Monday to cheer on the Valkyrie.
Julie said Will, who plays rugby for New Earswick All Blacks U12, has been following the Valkyrie since he was six days old and attends most games.
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She said they followed Sunday’s final from home “with our hearts in our mouths for the last 10 minutes”.
But, she said, “they did it – they did us proud”.
York Valkyrie celebrate winning the Super League on the River Ouse on Monday (September 28) (Image: Dylan Connell)
Fans wait for York Valkyrie ahead of the trophy parade on Monday (September 28) (Image: Dylan Connell)
“It’s just been amazing,” Julie added of the Valkyrie’s success. “More so, that it’s Leon [Pryce]’s first season as coach.
“And they’ve got so many new players coming in – a lot of young players. I mean, Amelie [Lenham], 17, what a player she’s going to become, even though she already is.
❤️ A huge congratulations to Women’s Joint Head Coach Louis Townsend, who has tonight got engaged to former Eagles Women’s player Lisa Parker.
Following York Valkyrie’s 8-6 win over Wigan Warriors in the Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final, Louis proposed to Lisa on the… pic.twitter.com/2ZqISxHNR4
— Sheffield Eagles (@SheffieldEagles) September 27, 2026
“I’ve just seen that Liv Wood has been picked for the England squad as well which is just huge. Little old York, who thought it?”
Julie also said she had “tears in my eyes” watching Lisa Parker being proposed to on the touchline after the win.
“It was really special,” Julie said. “It’s a really special club – it always has been.”