Charlotte Sultana Evans has become Malta Rugby League’s first female Rugby League European Federation (RLEF) qualified domestic coach in the history of the sport, rlif.com reported.

Sultana Evans, who plays her local rugby for the Overseas RFC ladies team, received her Level 1 qualification following the completion of a two-day course in June funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the Council of the European Union, and has since passed numerous written and practical coaching assessments on the island.

“I have always loved coaching,” said Sultana Evans, who has a wealth of experience from time spent in England.

I’ve coached rugby pretty much since I was 20. As a teacher in the north of Sheffield we taught rugby league on the curriculum linking with Sheffield Eagles and Hillsborough Hawks.”

“It’s really great to gain the RLEF level 1 certificate and learn some new techniques in the sport I love,” she added.

When asked about her background in the sport, Sultana Evans spoke fondly of her experience.

"So I started playing union at 18 for Sheffield Hallam, I also played for Sheffield and was selected for Yorkshire and North of England.

"I also was lucky enough to compete in two seasons of Rugby League for Featherstone Rovers before I moved to Malta, where I now play 7s.

"My only regret is not starting rugby league sooner, because some of the girls I played with in the North of England have swapped over and are now EnglandRL representatives.

RLEF Level 2 coach and educator Sam Blyton-Keep said: “Charlotte richly deserves to be awarded with this Level 1 coaching qualification. She has shown commitment, diligence and a high level of coaching quality throughout the course

“To become the first female on Malta to achieve the qualification in the history of the sport is a testament to her character and commitment to the game, where she has excelled in each role she has found herself.

“I am sure she will be just the first of many top-quality female coaches the island has to offer.”

Malta Rugby League (MRL) General Secretary Yanika Spiteri said: “It is fantastic we are celebrating the fact that Charlotte Evans has become the first female qualified Rugby League coach.

“We have several more girls that are not far off completing their assessments and as a result of these achievements we hope more are inspired to get involved with and succeed in all areas of Rugby League”