“We are all brimming with pride” – the words of City of York Council Claire Douglas at the huge sporting news today.
It was announced this morning that York Knights RLFC have been promoted to the Super League for 2026.
This is a huge achievement for the club, and a great boost for York.
Cllr Douglas said: “This is absolutely fantastic news for our city. We are all brimming with pride to be home to one of the top Rugby League teams in the country. York Knights have done us proud!
“It’s another example of our city playing host to inspirational elite level sport and professional athletes.
“York Knights being in Super League will bring a huge boost to our city. On top of the Knights’ growing home fanbase, numbers of away supporters will come here to enjoy amazing top level rugby league, our brilliant LNER Community Stadium and everything our beloved city of York has to offer.
“I’m looking forward to the season starting in the New Year and we all hope in time to see the Knights following in the footsteps of the Valkyrie to win the Super League title!”
York Central MP Rachael Maskell said she was delighted by the news.
“It’s the right decision, I am in favour of seeing a team’s performances on the pitch being rewarded.
“As the Championship league winners, York have consistently proven they can compete and win. I can’t wait to see them take on the likes of St Helens, Wigan and Leeds at the Community Stadium next year.
“Credit is due to Clint Goodchild and his team for building a strong business case for promotion and for bringing success, through the coaching of Mark Applegarth and the staff.
“York Valkyrie are of course a major force in the Women’s Super League and had an excellent season reaching the Semi Final and have been a central part to the club’s support and ambitions in recent years.”
The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Martin Rowley, said: “I’d like to congratulate everyone involved at York RLFC, who have helped get the Knights into Super League.
“I know it has been a huge effort on and off the field to make this a reality, and this is just reward for all their efforts.
“In recent years it has been amazing to see the club grow and the success of both the Knights and Valkyrie with crowds rising and fantastic work happening in communities across York and into North Yorkshire.”I look forward to being at the opening game of the new Super League season.
“The Valkyrie have already been a huge success in the Women’s Super League and I know the Knights will be the same too. I can’t wait for the start of next season to come around and am sure the whole city will be backing the team.”
York City FC, who share the LNER Community Stadium with the Knights, said: “A momentous achievement for York Knights.
“A massive congratulations from us all at YCFC on your historic promotion to the Super League!”
