CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL, WOODS, JOINS YORK RLFC

Big news is buzzing around York as the York Valkyrie team announces a brilliant new signing for the 2026 season. They’ve snapped up Petra Woods, a powerhouse player from the Canadian international squad. It’s the kind of news that gets fans excited for what’s to come, bringing a fresh wave of international talent right here to Yorkshire. This signing shows the team is seriously building for the future, and it’s a massive win for everyone involved. The news, which had been previously embargoed, was officially released on Wednesday, 25th February, causing a stir online.

A new star heads to Yorkshire

So, who is Petra Woods? Well, she’s a 30-year-old Canadian international player who is set to make a big impact. She’s incredibly versatile on the pitch, comfortable playing in the demanding positions of centre or full back. For anyone new to rugby league, a centre is all about finding gaps and making powerful runs, while a full back is the last line of defence and a key player in starting attacks. Having someone who can do both is a huge asset. This isn't her first time teaming up with a Valkyrie player either. During the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, she played alongside another familiar face, Megan Pakulis. Woods made three appearances for her country during that tournament, playing in all the group matches and proving her skill on the international stage. The official signing paperwork was all handled by the club's office, making everything official for the upcoming season.

The journey to York Valkyrie

Every great player has a story of determination, and Woods is no exception. Her journey to this point has been filled with highs and some tough setbacks. Back in 2017, she was selected for the Canadian World Cup squad, which is a massive achievement in any athlete's career. But in a heartbreaking twist, she picked up a serious knee injury during training and had to miss the entire tournament. Can you imagine? It takes incredible mental strength to bounce back from something like that. And bounce back she did. Woods isn't just any player; she’s her country's all-time top try scorer. That’s like being the top goal scorer in football – it means she knows exactly how to get points on the board. On top of her playing career, she’s also deeply involved in helping to grow and develop rugby league back in Canada, inspiring the next generation. Before she was a rugby star, she was also a competitive gymnast and a talented dancer, which probably explains her amazing agility and balance on the field. The club director has expressed immense satisfaction with this signing, a sentiment likely shared by everyone at the main office.

Coming home to England

For Petra Woods, this move to England isn't just a career step; it's personal. It’s a bit of a homecoming. She has deep family roots here, which makes the signing even more special for her. This connection to the country is something that clearly means a lot, and it’s fantastic that she gets to play in a place with so much personal history. Her excitement about the move is clear, and it’s the kind of passion that fans love to see.

In her own words, the new signing expressed her excitement:

"Sometimes the greatest opportunities take time, and I know that my signing with York Valkyries is going to be extremely special. Since my first rugby league practice in Toronto, Canada, I've been soaking up all of the international tournaments, combines and of course watching the growth of the female sports leagues develop across the world. Moving to and playing in England is so remarkable for me because it's where my father was born, where I enjoyed my first rugby tour (Mayfield Mavericks 2012) and where I played in my first World Cup game (Canada Ravens 2022). The Valkyrie team and staff have been so welcoming, and I know that this next step in my playing career is exactly where I am meant to be."

This statement really shows what the move means to her. From her father’s heritage to her own professional milestones with the Canada Ravens, playing in England is a significant chapter.