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Richmond Women Set for Double Final Showdown at Allianz Stadium
Mark your calendars: 24th May at the Allianz Stadium
As the curtain begins to fall on the 2025/26 season, just one final challenge remains for Richmond’s Women’s 1st XV and the Valkyries. Both sides are set to take centre stage at Allianz Stadium on 24 May, in what promises to be a memorable day for the club.
Women’s 1st XV
Richmond’s Women’s 1st XV have delivered one of their strongest campaigns to date, losing just once all season. Of their 18 scheduled fixtures, 16 were played, with two awarded as walkovers. Fifteen wins saw them finish comfortably at the top of the table on 84 points, 14 clear of nearest challengers Old Albanian Saints on 70.
The statistics underline their dominance. Richmond scored 762 points across the season, averaging 44 per game, while conceding just 218. Lizzie Musa leads the try-scoring charts with seven, followed by Makeda “Cookie” Lewis with six, while Emma Mundy has been the standout points scorer with 41.
Their semi-final against Sale 1861 ended in a composed 20–7 victory, securing another return to Allianz Stadium. Reflecting on the season, Head Coach Ross Doneghan said, “The Richmond Women's squad have had an outstanding season. Both teams have pushed one another to get better and better, and that will not change as we run into finals day.”
There is also a sense of familiarity around the occasion, with Richmond returning to a stage they know well and facing familiar opposition. One notable change sees Makeda Lewis now lining up in Richmond colours.
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Valkyries
The Valkyries have enjoyed a flawless season, going unbeaten while producing some exceptional attacking rugby. They have scored 905 league points from 158 tries, averaging 62 points per game.
That form has continued into the cup competition, where a dominant 118–0 semi-final victory over Old Halesonians secured their place in the Junior Cup Final at Twickenham. They will face Sandal Women, kicking off at 11am.
For Valkyries Lead Coach Fraser MacDonald-Lister, this moment has been a long time coming. “Reaching the Junior Cup Final at Twickenham was a goal the Valkyries set back in August 2025,” he said. “I’m feeling proud of how far they’ve come, excited to watch them play on a big stage, and determined to prepare them as best we can.”
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A Day to Remember
It has been a standout year for Richmond’s women’s section, with both teams reaching finals on the same day at Allianz Stadium. Head of Rugby Rob Powell highlighted the significance of the achievement, saying, “It's been a huge year for the women's section. To have two teams in the finals on 24th May at Twickenham is a magnificent achievement and will be a huge day for the club.”
He also pointed to the growth within the programme, adding, “The section has grown a lot this year, meaning the Valkyries have been strengthened significantly. Ross and his team have done a great job to both recruit players and then galvanise both teams, and we look forward to seeing them run out in Richmond colours, hoping to come back with two pieces of silverware on 24th May.”
With two finals and silverware on the line, all eyes now turn to 24th May. Supporters are encouraged to come down and show their support as Richmond look to cap off a remarkable season in style.