Swinton Lionesses have officially rebranded as the Manchester Swinton Lionesses, marking a bold new chapter for one of rugby league’s most historic clubs for the women’s game across Greater Manchester.
The move signals more than a name change. It represents a club-wide transformation built on inclusivity, ambition, and unity under the banner “One Club, One Vision.”
Team Chair Jason Harborow described the rebrand as a defining moment for the Lionesses:
“This is about creating a platform for women and girls across Greater Manchester to be inspired, to belong, and to believe they can achieve greatness in our sport.
“We’re proud of our Swinton roots, but this is also about embracing Manchester – one of the world’s great sporting cities.”
The Lionesses’ new identity reflects the club’s drive to connect with communities across the region, attract new supporters, and inspire the next generation of players.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham praised the announcement, calling it “a powerful statement about where women’s rugby league is heading.”
He added: “The Lionesses are not just representing Swinton or Manchester, they’re representing every young girl who dreams of playing at the highest level.”
Cllr John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure at Manchester City Council, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the city’s continued commitment to growing women’s sport:
“Following the positive impact of Manchester hosting both the Rugby League and Women’s Rugby Union World Cups, we’ll continue working with partners like the Lionesses to ensure that legacy is felt across the city.”
For Swinton Lions RLFC Chair Andy Unwin, the announcement encapsulates the club’s wider direction:
“Our ‘One Club, One Vision’ approach isn’t just a slogan — it’s a mindset. By aligning the men’s and women’s teams and embracing inclusion, we’re strengthening the club from top to bottom.”
Team captain Sammi Simpson said wearing the new Manchester Swinton Lionesses badge will remind players of both their roots and their ambition:
“We want to inspire the next generation of players, supporters, and families to be part of something special.”
The rebrand will be rolled out through a comprehensive launch campaign, featuring community events, storytelling, and school engagement. Both men’s and women’s 2026 playing kits will be unveiled on 8 December 2025, uniting the teams under the “One Club, One Vision” identity.
Formed in 2020, the Lionesses have quickly become a force in women’s rugby league, winning the Challenge Shield, the Pankhurst Cup, and reaching the semi-finals of the Rugby League Women’s Nines this year.
As they step into 2026 as the Manchester Swinton Lionesses, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a rebrand – it’s a statement of intent from a club determined to lead the growth of women’s sport across Greater Manchester and beyond.
Swinton Lions CEO Steve Wild said: “At Swinton Lions RLFC we must embrace new ways to be innovative in order to capture a wider audience and bring fresh awareness to our brand. If we don’t, then the likelihood is stagnation or regression.
“Whilst we are proud to embrace our 160 year old history, which in itself is a driving force behind the culture and heartbeat of our club, our Lionesses have brought an exciting approach and mindset to what our club as a whole is all about.
The growth and success to date of our women’s team has undoubtedly brought different eyes on our club, including new sponsorships and first time fans through the gate. All of this helps – and this isa very important point – to underpin and help nurture our entire operation, not just our women’s team.
By giving the Lionesses a brand look of their own, with their own logo and inclusion of the word “Manchester”, they can go on to provide a focal point for elite women’s rugby league across the whole of Greater Manchester – including Swinton, Salford, Trafford and further afield.
York Knights and York Valkyrie have arguably set a template for this type of outlook – excellence and identity in two separate fields – but all falling under the same York RLFC brand.
We make no excuses for taking some inspiration from that model, whilst our geographical advantage, sitting as we do in the midst of one of the most significant sporting conurbations in the world, is an opportunity we aim to grasp and can’t ignore.
Recent Comments