York Valkyrie captain Sinead Peach faces disciplinary action after being sent off during her side’s Women’s Super League match at the weekend for making a crude remark towards a referee.
The Valkryies met with St Helens, losing 8-18 to the home side.
The incident, widely shared on social media, saw the England international shown a red card in the second half.
She will now appear before a disciplinary panel this week, with the possibility of a suspension.
Watch: Sinead Peach receives a red card following alleged comments.
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Peach, 27, has been a central figure in the women’s game for several years.
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A hooker who began her career at Featherstone Rovers before moving to Castleford, she joined York in 2021 and quickly became one of the league’s standout players.
She was named Woman of Steel in 2022 and has been a regular in the England setup, including at the last World Cup.
Her sending off is therefore significant, not just for York, who are currently pushing for a top-three finish in Super League ahead of the playoffs, but for the competition as a whole as well.
The women’s game is enjoying a period of growth, with increased visibility through broadcasters and new commercial backing.
The Women's Rugby World Cup, although a different code of the sport, has shed light on women's rugby as a whole.
High-profile incidents inevitably shine a spotlight on the standards expected as the league continues to professionalise.
While disciplinary issues are part and parcel of rugby league, this flashpoint highlights the pressures players face.
For York, the immediate concern will be whether their captain is available for the playoffs and final run-ins of the season.
For the RFL, it serves as another reminder of the delicate balance between showcasing the intensity of the sport and maintaining respect for officials.
York coach Lindsay Anfield said after the match:
“Sinead is a passionate player and a big leader for us.
"She knows she’s crossed a line, and we’ll support her through the process.
"Our focus is on moving forward as a group.”
An RFL spokesperson added: “Match officials must always be treated with respect.
"The disciplinary process is in place to deal with incidents of this nature, and the panel will consider the case in due course.”
More rugby news:
- What happened this week at the Women’s Rugby World Cup?
- Women's Rugby World Cup schedule: when and where are the World Cup matches?