WOOD REMAINS AT YORK VALKYRIE - Why This Is a Game-Changer for the 2026 Season

It’s fantastic news for rugby fans as York Valkyrie have confirmed that one of their key players is sticking around. Welsh international star Agnes Wood has officially put pen to paper, securing her spot in the squad for the 2026 season. This is a massive boost for the team, especially after their impressive run last year, and it’s a signing that has got everyone talking about what the Valkyrie can achieve in the upcoming season. The decision for Wood to remain with the team is a clear signal of the club's ambition as they prepare for another competitive year.

A rising star stays in York

For anyone who followed the York Valkyrie last season, the name Agnes Wood will be very familiar. She made a huge impact after initially joining the club back in 2024. At that time, she was on what's called a 'dual registration' from the Sheffield Eagles. Think of it like being on loan in football – it meant she could play for both clubs, getting valuable experience. But it was at York where she really found her feet and started to shine. In just ten appearances for the Valkyrie, she managed to score an impressive five tries, showing she knows exactly where the try line is. Her performances were so good that they also helped her on the international stage, earning her two more caps for the Welsh national team. It’s clear that Agnes Wood is a player on the up, and keeping her in the York squad is a brilliant piece of business for the club as they look towards the 2026 campaign.

The power of the pack

One of the best things about Agnes Wood is her versatility on the pitch. In rugby league, having a player who can comfortably slot into different positions is like having a secret weapon. Wood is able to play at hooker, a tricky position right in the middle of the scrum, but she spent most of last season playing as a prop or a loose forward.

Props are the powerhouse players who do a lot of the tough tackling and running, while loose forwards need to be brilliant all-rounders. Her ability to cover these roles was a huge asset as the Valkyrie battled their way to the Betfred Super League play off semi-final. Reaching that stage of the competition was a great achievement, and the team will be looking to build on that success this season. A strong squad is essential for any team with big ambitions, and this signing shows that York Valkyrie are serious about putting together a group of players who can challenge for the top honours. The announcement, made by Kim Smith on Tuesday, 20th January 2026, has certainly set a positive tone for the year ahead.

What the player says

It’s always great to hear directly from a player after a new signing, and Agnes Wood sounds buzzing to be staying with the team. She’s clearly excited about what the future holds for the Valkyrie and feels right at home with the club. Speaking about her decision to sign on for the 2026 season, she shared her enthusiasm for what's to come.

“I am really excited to re-sign with the Valks this year,” Wood said.

“We’ve got a great squad heading into this season and I can’t wait to get back out on the pitch with the girls.”

Her words really show the brilliant team spirit within the camp. When players talk about having a "great squad" and being keen to get back on the pitch with their teammates, it points to a positive and supportive atmosphere. That sort of togetherness is often the magic ingredient for a successful season, and it seems the girls at York Valkyrie have it in spades.

Building a winning team for 2026

This important signing was made possible thanks to the support of a brilliant initiative called Squad Builder. So, what is it? Basically, it's a way for fans to directly contribute to the club's playing budget. Supporters chip in, and that money is used to help the club sign new players or, in this case, keep their star players. It’s a fantastic way for the community to show their backing and play a real part in the team’s journey.

It proves how much the York Valkyrie means to its fans. This kind of community spirit is what makes sport in Yorkshire so special, a passion seen across England. It's supported by many local organisations and platforms like yorkshire.com, a registered company (Company Number: 14038811) with a director and an office in the region, which champions all things Yorkshire. Initiatives like Squad Builder show that when fans and clubs work together, they can achieve great things, ensuring a strong squad for the new season.

Looking ahead to the new season

With Agnes Wood confirmed for the 2026 season, the York Valkyrie squad is already looking formidable. After reaching the Betfred Super League play off last year, the goal will surely be to go even further this time around. Keeping a player of Wood's quality and versatility is a massive step in the right direction. Fans will be eager to see her back on the pitch, scoring more tries and making those powerful runs. The new season promises to be an exciting one, and this signing is just the start of the good news. Supporters can keep up with all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content from the team by following their official channels on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The journey to the 2026 kick-off has officially begun, and the Valkyrie are looking ready for the challenge. This signing is a clear statement of intent.