TWICKENHAM continues to be a second home for Barnsley RUFC women’s players who helped Yorkshire win there for a third straight year this week.
They beat Surrey 37-5 in the final of the Gill Burns County Championship on Saturday.
The Barnsley players in the final were Jess Taylor-Roberts, Amy Needham, Beth Arnold, Jasmine Brankin and Cara Cookland while Ellie Erskine and Becky Patrick have also been in the squad throughout the competition.
Wales international Jess Taylor-Roberts, who was co-captain with Barnsley team-mate Brankin, said: “This year’s programme is up there with one of the best.
“Winning at Twickenham for the third year in a row is unbelievable and an experience I’ll never forget.
“It’s extra special this year as I had the opportunity to captain the side alongside my Barnsley team-mate Jaz.
“It’s been a privilege to share this experience with so many amazing players from different clubs across Yorkshire.
“We are proud to have so many Barnsley girls in the squad this year.
“I can’t wait for the 2026/27 campaign and hopefully have more Barnsley girls involved for Yorkshire.”
Amy Needham added: “I can’t believe we’ve done it again, three years in a row for Yorkshire and two years on the bounce for me personally.
“It’s an incredible feeling and an incredible achievement for the girls.
“Everyone played their hearts out and gave it everything.
“I am super proud of all the girls and so thankful to all the coaches and everyone involved in this year’s campaign.
“It’s been the best one yet and I’m already looking forward to next year.
“It’s been a real privilege to play amongst some amazing players.”
Beth Arnold said: “I am so honoured to have been part of the Yorkshire team for the past few years.
“It’s an incredible achievement to have won the county championship the past three years and it’s all down to the amazing group of players and coaches that come together to make the experience what it is.”
Alix Taylor-Roberts, from Royston, is the assistant coach, having previously played for the team. She said: “I am so unbelievably proud of the group to go three from three. It’s a massive achievement for the county and to do it for the first time as a coach was an amazing experience. I am really excited to see how the talent in the county continues to develop next season.”
The Barnsley players will now have a break before returning to Shaw Lane where they compete in the Championship One North – the second tier of women’s rugby union in England.
Meanwhile, the men’s leagues involving Barnsley clubs have been restructured for the 2026/27 season.
Barnsley RUFC are now in Yorkshire Three B along with nine other teams.
They will be a tier below Wath 2nd XI who have been put into Yorkshire Two B while their treble-winning first team are in the Regional Two North East league.
Wortley are in Yorkshire Four C.
Deane Valley have not been named in the league lists after pulling out of Yorkshire Three in February.
