WALES woman will take part in a rugby league European Championship for the first time ever.

Wales are to be part of the first ever Women’s European Championship B competition, with their opening game being held on Sunday, June 19, when they’ll host Italy at Cross Keys RFC’s Pandy Park. Kick-off 1pm.

For Italy, it’ll be their second game in the competition. Three nations will form the northern group, which kicks off when Ireland make the historic journey to face Italy at the Pasian Di Pato Rugby Stadium near Udine in the North-East of the country on Saturday, June 11.

The final match of the group will see Ireland host Wales on the weekend of October 8, with details to be released in due course.

For Wales, it will be their second test match at Pandy Park in two weeks, as they take on England in a stand-alone test match on Sunday, June 12.

Six nations will take part in the inaugural women’s European Championship B. They will be divided into two groups, with Ireland, Italy and Wales playing in the north, and Greece, Serbia and Turkey contesting the south, giving them all valuable playing experience leading into qualifying for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup.

Tom Brindle, head coach of Wales women, said: “It’s a really positive and welcome step that there is now a formal competition for the women’s game across Europe. It is developing at tremendous rate, building toward what will be a ground-breaking World Cup in France in 2025. The Euro B competition now allows us to plan, build a performance and development programme and attract sponsors to help us continue that growth year on year.”

Tickets for currently available as a package for both Wales v England and Wales v Italy, and can be bought at wrl.wales/tickets