YORK VALKYRIE coach Leon Pryce is backing young centre Amelie Lenham to have a “massive” future in the game after retaining her services for 2027.
The 17-year-old product of the club’s pathway firmly announced herself in the Women’s Super League as her defensive heroics earned her the Player of the Match in York’s Grand Final win against Wigan Warriors in September.
She made her senior debut in the 42-0 win over Leigh Leopards in May, going on to score once in nine appearances as the Valkyrie defied the odds to progress through the Super Fours on their way to claiming a third Women’s Super League title.
Lenham is also part of the England Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme and the England Under 18 rugby union training squad, and Pryce said: “Amelie was incredible in her first season with us at just 17-years-old.
“She has a brilliant attitude, is unbelievably tough and always willing to listen and learn. She’s a coach’s dream to work with and has a massive future ahead of her, both with us and in the game.
“Bringing young, exciting players through our pathways and giving them opportunities to develop is something we’re really passionate about and want to continue doing as a club.”
York have also signed Australian hooker Chelsea Savill for 2027.
