VICTORIA Park will host a festival of women’s rugby league today as the Women’s Nines tournament returns.

After a successful launch last year, the competition has been brought back with all 12 Women’s Super League teams involved alongside eight ‘invitation’ teams.

The 20 teams have been split into five groups of four with the top team from each group plus one wildcard progressing to Finals Day, which is being held at Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday, June 24.

Entry to the event, which runs from 10.30am until 4pm, is free while there will also be some workshops run by some of the prominent players and coaches from the women’s game throughout the day.

Warrington Wolves are in Group One alongside Huddersfield Giants, Leamington Royals and Oldham.

“We’re really excited to bring the Women’s Nines back to Victoria Park this year,” RFL head of development Thomas Brindle said.

“Nines is an exciting spectacle, and we’ll see lots of fantastic players showcasing their skills at both Warrington and Salford. 

"We found that the festival approach last year was really successful so we will be replicating this and anyone is welcome to come and enjoy the day.

“There will be lots of fun activities available as well as some quality Rugby League, so it should be a great day.”

Nines matches are played over two nine-minute halves, with five points for a try scored in the bonus zone under the posts and two for a drop-kicked conversion attempt.

Squads will consist of up to 15 players, with unlimited interchanges allowed from the six-strong bench.

Women’s Nines group stages

Group One: Huddersfield Giants, Warrington Wolves, Leamington Royals, Oldham

Group Two: Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls, Salford Red Devils, Cardiff Demons

Group Three: St Helens, Featherstone Rovers, Hull KR, Newcastle Thunder

Group Four: Wigan Warriors, Leigh Leopards, Castleford Tigers, London Broncos

Group Five: York Valkyrie, Barrow Raiders, Hull FC, Workington Town