Female BBC rugby league pundit charged with sexually assaulting woman
A female BBC and Sky Sports rugby league pundit is due in court charged with sexually assaulting another woman.
Danika Priim, 40, a former Bradford Bulls, Leeds Rhinos and England player, who is now vice-president of the Rugby Football League, is accused of committing the offence at Horsforth Cricket Club in West Yorkshire on July 22, 2022.
It is alleged Priim, of Keighley, West Yorkshire, “intentionally touched a woman aged 16 or over” which was “sexual when she did not consent”.
Priim appeared before Leeds Magistrates’ Court last week, where no pleas were entered during a hearing that ended with the case being sent to Leeds Crown Court. She is due to appear there on March 13.
Priim retired from playing in 2021 after winning every major domestic honour and featuring for England at the 2017 World Cup. She was subsequently named as part of the BBC team for the postponed 2021 tournament and covered the Olympic rugby sevens at the Paris 2024 Games.
She officially took up the post of RFL vice-president earlier this month, alongside new president Adam Hills, the comedian and television presenter who succeeded House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP in the role.
Priim wrote in a LinkedIn post at the start of the year: “A little late to the party but HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
“2024 I turned 40, left my job as a teacher and worked my dream job at the Olympics.
“I’ve developed my broadcasting skills and roles, hosted award ceremonies from a Concorde, had the privilege of going to so many events, openings and awards dinners!
“I became a TOP TRUMP and was asked to be the Vice President of the RFL (12-year-old fan girl Danika could never have even dreamed it)!
“I’ve worked with tennis icons, insane athletes and some of the most talented individuals behind the scenes of it all, some I now call close friends who continuously put up with my questions & queries!
“I’ve had the freedom to travel when I like and got to see so many live musicians!
“If 2025 is even a fraction of fun and success I’ll be happy!!
“Here’s to a healthy, happy, prosperous and bloody brilliant year for us all.”
