York Valkyrie are delighted to announce the double signing of former League Leaders' Shield winner Lucy Eastwood and British Army star Manuqalo Komaitai!
Half-back Eastwood arrives at York from fellow Betfred Women's Super League side Warrington Wolves, where she spent the 2023 season.
The former England Students international previously represented Castleford Tigers, where she worked with York Valkyrie Director of Rugby Lindsay Anfield.
Eastwood won the 2019 League Leaders' Shield with Castleford while also featuring in the 2018 Betfred Women's Challenge Cup Final and 2019 Betfred Women's Super League Grand Final for the Tigers.
Centre Komaitai joins York from the Betfred Women's Super League South side British Army, who reached the competition's Play-Off Semi-Finals last year.
The Fiji-born talent also has past experience in rugby union, having represented London Irish and Pacific Islanders in the 15-a-side-code.
On bringing Eastwood to the Club, Anfield said: “I’ve coached Lucy before at Castleford and England Students and she is a really skilful player who has a real in-depth understanding of the game.
"She seems to be loving the environment here and I’m sure she’ll continue to develop as a player as the year goes on.
“Another addition in the halves provides more competition, with Lucy competing alongside Liv Gale and Sade Rihari. To bring Lucy in as an experienced half-back is fantastic.”
Speaking on Komaitai's recruitment, the Valkyrie boss continued: “I came across Koms when I went to watch an Army game last year and she was highly recommended by Carrie Roberts.
“She’s really a direct, hard-running, athletic and strong player and she doesn’t take a backwards step.
“Koms is also a dedicated athlete who has fitted in really well to our hard-working squad and culture.
“She’s a really coachable player and someone that will add another dimension to our squad this year.”
Eastwood herself said on the move: “I’m really excited to have joined York and to have joined the reigning champions, who are looking to achieve the same again this year and become an even better team.
“It’s a really exciting time to be joining the Club and I’m looking forward to working alongside some really talented players.”
"Even in the short time I've been here so far, I feel like I’m a better player already, never mind when we get towards the back end of the season!
“I’m really excited to get back on the field and to be able to play at such a high standard. I’m really excited to pull on a York shirt and I can’t wait to get going.”
Discussing her arrival at York, Komaitai enthused: "It feels unbelievable to be joining York, the team that won the Super League last year. They're the best team and it's an honour to join the best team, for sure.
"I'm really enjoying myself here so far. Everyone has been so welcoming and I've blended in really well with the girls and the coaches.
"The training has been another level from what I'm used to but I'm really enjoying it. I've learned so much since I've joined and it's been great overall. I cannot wait to get started this season."
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