England Women's Zoe Hornby makes decision to step back from Rugby League playing career

England Women player Zoe Hornby has made the decision to take a step back from her Rugby League career.

Hornby plays for Leeds Rhinos in the Betfred Women's Super League, who have today confirmed the news.

The Newcastle-born forward has been with the Rhinos since 2021 after joining from Whitley Bay Barbarians. She played in the Grand Final at the end of that season and a year later was Player of the Match in the Rhinos Challenge Cup Final loss at Elland Road. She went onto win the Women’s Super League in 2022 and earned a place in the England World Cup squad, making her debut against Canada.

She has played in the last two Challenge Cup Finals at Wembley and three Grand Finals, and in total, Hornby has played 45 times for the Rhinos and scored 29 times.

For England, Hornby has earned three caps for her country and recently played in France v England Women's mid-season international fixture in June.

Speaking about her decision Hornby said: “It is with a heavy heart that I will be leaving Leeds as I have decided to take a step back from rugby.  At this stage in my personal life and my career, I think that because of the commitment that playing requires, along with the travel from Newcastle, it is the right thing for me to do at this time.

“There have been many highlights over the last three seasons, but it’s the memories we make with the girls after and before the games that stand out, spending that quality time with each other. Winning the Grand Final was obviously an amazing experience, we had a great day and evening, but it’s the little things after training if you have had a bad day when someone messages you to ask if you are alright and that’s what we have at Leeds and I will cherish those memories and the friendships I have made.

“I am privileged to have had the opportunity to play for England and I have worked really hard to get myself there and I want to thank all the England and Leeds coaches who have helped me. Seeing the progress since I started after transitioning from Union I am grateful for all the opportunities.

“I will now be focused on progressing my career with Newcastle Falcons Foundation.  We have a girls and a College team so hopefully we can continue to develop those but I am looking forward to the future and all that comes.”  

Leeds Rhinos head coach Lois Forsell added: “We are gutted to see Zoe leave the Rhinos and take a step back from rugby, but we understand her decision as she looks to gain a balance in her personal life and progress her career. 

“She should be proud of her achievements at our club, as a Grand Final winner and two-time Challenge Cup Finalist, as well as earning international honours with her country and representing them in a World Cup.

“She has put in a lot of dedication to play Rugby League, travelling to training on a night and match days from her home in Newcastle and I know her teammates are grateful for that commitment and she will be missed.

“She leaves with our best wishes and knows the door is open should she make the decision to return to the sport in the future.”