Elisa Akpa in the LNER Community Stadium ahead of her second outing with the York Valkyrie. Photo credit: York RLFC.
Elisa Akpa re-joins the York Valkyrie, after a brief stint for the side in the Women’s Super League, which follows her season with her French domestic side Catalan Goddesses. Déesses Catalanes were recently crowned French champions in their top level competition, beating rivals Lescure. The French skipper will be available for the Valkyrie until the end of the season.
Apka featured in 4 games for the then York City Knights, making a cameo in the 22–14 win at Headingley versus the Leeds Rhinos, which saw York earn their maiden League Leaders’ Shield in the Betfred Women’s Super League. She was also part of the Valkyrie team which wrote their name in the Super League Grand Final books for the first time, beating Wigan Warriors 12–4 in the semis, before losing Leeds Rhinos at the Totally Wicked Stadium by the same scoreline.
Apka also took part in the Rugby League World Cup in England, where she vice-captained her native France side in Group B alongside Cook Islands, New Zealand and Australia — the group stages were played at the LNER Community Stadium.
“I had an amazing time at York last year, winning the League Leaders’ Shield and playing for France in the World Cup in York, so it was really important to be back here. I really enjoyed being in the group last year, we were all really close and everyone was there for each other. It’s a great Club for me.”
Akpa won three appearances for France during last year’s World Cup and was promoted to the role of Captain in March, having previously served as Vice-Captain.
Elisa also recently played in the England vs France mid-season international which saw England cruise to a 64–0 win, where York’s Hollie-Mae Dodd scored a brace and Tamzin Renouf, Tara Jane Stanley and Valkyrie skipper Sinead Peach with a try to their names.
York Valkyrie’s Director of Rugby Lindsay Anfield spoke upon Akpa’s return to the York outfit.
“Elisa has been wanting to come back to York since the end of last season, but moving to another country is not a straightforward process. We’re delighted that she has now made the move to York and we’re looking forward to welcoming her back to the squad. Elisa arrives almost like an absent team-mate that hasn’t been here for the first half of the season.
She played in some big games for us last year and she knows how we go about things here, so I think it’ll be a fairly seamless transition back into the group.We’ve got some really important games coming up over the four or five weeks, so to be able to bring in a seasoned international and a strong athlete to our forward pack is a massive boost for us.”
Elisa Akpa spoke on her return to the North Yorkshire based side.
“I’m so excited to be back at York, it’s really wonderful and I’m so grateful. After the Grand Final last year, I feel like I have not finished something here. I want to finish that this year.
Akpa realises the talent currently running riot in the York side, making it tricky for players like Chloe Smith to break into the squad — who has joined Castleford Tigers on dual registration in her bid for game time.
“I need to work really hard in training for the coach and for the team to win my shirt and my place on the field.”
Akpa could make her second York debut when the Valkyrie travel to Huddersfield Giants in the Betfred Women’s Super League at Laund Hill on 9th July.
Written by Ellie Indie
For more rugby-related content, click here.
Follow Sporting Her on social media: Instagram // Twitter // Facebook.
