THE growth of women's and girls' rugby league in the UK has been welcomed by MPs on International Women's Day.

Judith Cummins, MP for Bradford South and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group, said it is an "exciting time for women's rugby league".

Fixtures for this year's Women's Super League, which is made up of seven teams including national champions Bradford Bulls, were released on IWD, and will see the Bulls Women start their season on April 15 against rivals Leeds Rhinos.

Earlier this week the Rugby Football League announced a new Women and Girls Framework, bringing together the different ways women are involved in the sport, which will provide the basis for a game-wide campaign to further develop the female game at all levels.

Ms Cummins said: "This is a very exciting time for women's and girls’ rugby league.

"It is fantastic to see the growth that has occurred over the past year, and the expansion of the Women’s Super League will help to further build the profile of the women’s game.

“I hope that the Rugby Football League’s framework will provide structure and direction for all players, coaches, volunteers and supporters involved with women’s rugby league, as we build towards the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.

“I wish all sides well for the season, and look forward to supporting the further development of rugby league for women and girls over the coming years.”