An event showcasing the history of women in Rugby League welcomed both past and present Great Britain and England international players.

Around 50 people came together for an exhibition that brought to life over 40 years of women’s rugby league at the home of Barrow Raiders on Saturday April 27.

WOMEN IN RUGBY LEAGUE: THE PIONEERING YEARS is a project to rescue and preserve the memories and achievements of the women involved in rugby league clubs since the 1980s.

It aims to ensure they are remembered, and their legacy is preserved so that girls and young women can learn from their experiences and discover new role models.

All of their findings are to be displayed at workshops, exhibitions, and other public events in 10 major rugby league-playing towns across northern England.

Barrow director Mary McPortland organised the event, featuring memorabilia donated by former players including original shirts worn by the Barrow Bluebirds.

The exhibition attracted Sally Milburn, who played 23 times for Great Britain and was one of the first three women to be inducted into the Rugby League Hall of Fame. She was joined by sisters Liz Kerr and Allie Kitchin as well as Joanne Hewson, who are all ex-Great Britain internationals.

The Lancashire Shield trophy was also on display, as Barrow was the last team to have won the competition in 1997-98.

The exhibition preluded Raiders’ Women’s Super League clash against York with the Valkyrie head coach and former England player Lindsay Anfield also making an appearance.

The director of women's rugby at Barrow Raiders, Mary Mac said: “This has outstripped our expectations.

“It was great to see so many women here telling their stories and sharing their memories.

“We all reminisced together, and we hope that our pioneers can act as an inspiration to all the young girls and women out there.”

Julia Lee is the driving force behind the project following a lifelong love of the game during which she became the first woman to officiate men's rugby league in Great Britain and Australia before becoming a director at the Rugby Football League (RFL).

Following the event at Barrow, she said: “There was a real sense of community and pride which is exactly what we set out to achieve.

“Many of those women don’t realise the enormity of what they did by striking out and playing the game they loved despite the obstacles in their way.

“They’ve left a huge legacy and inspired so many girls and women who have followed in their footsteps.”