On Sunday April 15, Women’s Super League and Challenge Cup holders Bradford Bulls Women will open their 2018 league campaign as they host Leeds Rhinos Women at Odsal Stadium in a 3.45pm kick-off.

In a world first, Bradford Bulls Women will headline the afternoon of rugby league, with the curtain raiser being the Betfred League One clash between Bradford Bulls first team and Coventry Bears, which kicks off at 2pm.

Containing a number of internationals, Bradford are currently one of the strongest female rugby league sides in Britain.

They were also recently named Bradford’s "Sports Team of the Year" in the prestigious Bradford Sports Awards 2018, beating historically strong contenders Bradford City among others.

Bradford Bulls chairman Andrew Chalmers said it was a simple decision to give the women's team headline status for the fixture at the famous Odsal Stadium.

“It's the season opener for Bradford Bulls Women against Leeds Rhinos, two of rugby league's biggest brands. Our women are the defending league champions and Challenge Cup holders, they are Bradford’s leading sports team.

“Gender doesn't come into it. We'll be fielding a number of international and locally developed rugby league players when they take the field on April 15 and it's only fitting that they are allocated the feature game,” said Chalmers.

“Our men's team will provide a guard of honour after their match against Coventry Bears and the entire club and fan base will be behind the Women as they seek to get off to a winning start against our traditional rivals.”

Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington was equally as supportive and excited about the prospect of two fierce rivals meeting again.

“It’s so good to be resurrecting the old Bulls v Rhinos rivalry at Odsal and I expect it to be a fiercely contested affair.

"I am looking forward to attending and being part of this feature Women’s Super League game, which in years to come will take its place in the history of rugby league.”

Hundreds of local women’s rugby league players of all ages will be guests of the club for this historic fixture and will be taking part in a lap of honour and guard of honour to mark the opening of the Bulls Women’s season.