Good News: Denis Betts Reflects on Guiding an Exceptional Side to Women’s Challenge Cup success🏆
It’s a moment Denis Betts will treasure for a long time. The former England international, now head coach of a rising women’s rugby league powerhouse, is still beaming with pride after leading his team to a historic Women’s Challenge Cup triumph.
Speaking in the aftermath of their well-earned cup victory, Betts described the group as “special, tight-knit, and fearless” — a side that refused to be written off and rose to every challenge thrown their way throughout the competition.
“This group of women are unlike any I’ve coached before,” said Betts, his voice still brimming with emotion. “They’ve got heart, talent, and togetherness in abundance. From day one of pre-season, I knew we had something building here.”
Their Cup run wasn’t smooth sailing. Early on, they were dealt a tough group draw and faced injury setbacks, but Betts never doubted their resilience. In his own words, “They just got on with the job. No fuss, no excuses — just sheer graft and belief in each other.”
That belief came to full fruition under the Wembley lights, where the side delivered a performance that will go down in Women’s Challenge Cup history. From the opening whistle, they played with purpose and precision. The forwards laid the platform, the backs showed class, and their defence was rock solid. For Betts, the final whistle brought not just relief but pride in a team that had left everything out on the pitch.
“What makes this group so special is the way they carry themselves,” he said. “They support each other on and off the field. It’s more than just a team — it’s a family.”
Betts, who made his name in men’s rugby league as both a player and coach, has openly spoken about how working with this women’s squad has reinvigorated his love for the game. He praised the professionalism, the commitment, and most of all, the sheer joy the players bring to every session.
“There’s something pure about this level of the sport,” he added. “These women don’t play for the spotlight — they play for the shirt, for the community, and for each other.”
The Women’s Challenge Cup victory isn’t just a win for the team — it’s a landmark moment for the sport. Crowds are growing, coverage is improving, and performances like the one Betts’ side delivered are helping to inspire the next generation of female players across the country.
As celebrations continue, the coach is already looking ahead to the next challenge. “We’ve got a league to focus on now, and we’ll enjoy this, but we’re not done. This group wants more — and I believe they’ll get it.”
