A Women’s Super League clash between York Valkyrie and St Helens ended in controversy after referee audio revealed the full reason behind Sinead Peach’s late red card.
The England and York Valkyrie captain was dismissed in the dying moments at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Saturday, as her side let slip an early lead to fall 16-8 against the champions.
York had stormed ahead 8-0 but, with just 60 seconds left, the referee awarded Saints a penalty — a decision that appeared to push Peach over the edge.
While TV viewers were left in the dark at first, the mic’d-up official made the situation crystal clear.
"I'm not having you saying 'which one are you s******g?'. You're off," declared the referee as he brandished the red card to Peach.
The Super League’s Match Review Panel will now review the incident and decide what punishment the York star will face.
Fans wasted no time reacting on social media:
“Fair play referee. Red Card all day long. Very surprising comments from the York captain.”
“Absolutely crazy thing to say, you know there’s only going to be one result.”
“Rugby league never fails.”
“Long ban incoming? I can’t speyk.”
“From a team that was allowed to do whatever they wanted all game, that’s a staggering remark to make to the ref.”
“Crazy thing to say to a ref just begging for the sending off there.”
St Helens’ win now leaves them on the brink of securing home advantage for the upcoming play-offs.
Red Roses pride: Nine World Cup stars who are out and proud
England’s Red Roses aren’t just rugby powerhouses — they’re also trailblazers for LGBTQ+ represenation in sport.
As they charge into this year’s Rugby World Cup on home turf, nine stars are proudly out and representing both their country and community.
Here’s the incredible lineup flying the flag for Pride while chasing World Cup glory:
Marlie “Captain Fantastic” Packer — England
Captain. Flanker. Champion. And a Red Rose through and through. Marlie Packer heads into her third World Cup with England, fresh off a one-match ban that had fans worried she might miss out. No chance. A 2014 World Cup winner already, she’s determined to lead the Roses to another title — and she’ll be doing it alongside her fiancée, teammate Rosie Galligan.
Rosie “Resilient Rose” Galligan — England
Rosie Galligan’s journey is pure resilience. From making her professional debut with Saracens in 2016 to lifting back-to-back WXV 1 titles, Galligan is no stranger to success. This is her second World Cup, but there’s an extra twist this time: she’s engaged to teammate Marlie Packer. Power couple energy incoming.
Mackenzie “Maple Leaf Turned Rose” Carson — England
Born in Canada. Built for rugby. And now a Red Rose. Mackenzie Carson has already played three World Cups for Canada — but in 2025, she’s switched allegiances to England. Better still, she’ll be suiting up alongside her partner Sarah Bern, making them one of rugby’s fiercest power duos.
Sarah “Scrum Queen” Bern — England
England powerhouse Sarah Bern is used to breaking through defences — now she’s breaking barriers too.
With Carson, her partner both on and off the field, Bern is set for another World Cup campaign. Expect big hits, big carries, and big love stories in red and white.
Megan “Sevens Speedster” Jones — England
England’s youngest-ever sevens debutant at just 17, Megan Jones has built a career on speed, skill, and fearless play. After recovering from injury in 2024, she’s back and ready for the World Cup stage. Off the pitch, she’s happily with Great Britain teammate Celia Quansah — another rugby star in her own right.
Holly “Golden Boot” Aitchison — England
A natural playmaker with a golden boot, Holly Aitchison has done it all: Six Nations, World Cup, the Tokyo Olympics. Now she’s back in Red Roses colours for the 2025 World Cup, and she’ll be lining up with her partner — and fellow England star — Hannah Botterman.
Hannah “Front-Row Force” Botterman — England
The front-row force who eats scrums for breakfast. Hannah Botterman already has Grand Slam medals and World Cup experience to her name, but this year brings an extra special twist: she’s heading into the tournament alongside her partner, teammate Holly Aitchison. Roses united, on and off the pitch.
Amy “Cross-Continental” Cokayne — England
From New Zealand to England and back again — Amy Cokayne’s rugby story spans continents. After stints with Harlequins, Leicester Tigers, and now Sale Sharks, she’s earned her spot in another World Cup campaign. With experience at both the 2017 and delayed 2021 editions, Cokayne is set to be a vital presence for England in 2025.
Claudia “Chief in Command” Moloney-MacDonald — England
Dynamic, versatile, unstoppable. Claudia Moloney-MacDonald can shine at scrum-half or wing, and she’s been doing just that for Exeter Chiefs Women. A Six Nations Grand Slam winner in 2019 and a World Cup veteran from 2021, she’s back again to bring pace and passion to the Roses.