Cunningham & Rudge to retire at the end of 2026

The Saints pair have been trailblazing figures for the growth of Women’s Rugby League, at both domestic and international levels.

The two lifelong best friends, both of whom have been with the Club since the formation of our Women’s team in 2018, will conclude their illustrious playing careers at the end of this year.

At an international level for England, both Cunningham and Rudge have proudly served as captain and between them are the two most capped players for the England Women’s side, with Jodie (34 caps) just overtaking Emily (33 caps) last year.

Current St.Helens and England Women’s captain Jodie Cunningham has been an incredible ambassador for the Club and for the sport of Rugby League as a whole.

Previously working with the Rugby Football League as National Women’s & Girls Development Manager to strengthen the pathways of female player development, Cunningham joined St.Helens R.F.C.’s staff as Head of Women’s Pathways & Performance at the start of 2024.

Working at the Club, Cunningham has established programmes for female rugby league players to develop at our club, from Under 16s (P2P), into an Academy (Under 18s) environment and into the Women’s senior squad.

On the field, Cunningham was named co-captain of St.Helens Women in 2019 before becoming sole captain in 2021, the year our Women’s team completed an historic treble. Furthermore, in 2021, she received the Woman of Steel Award as the best player in the Betfred Women’s Super League.

A proven leader, Cunningham has led the Red V to a Women’s Super League title, two League Leaders’ Shields, and an astonishing four straight Women’s Challenge Cups between 2021 and 2024, with the victory in 2023 particularly special as it was the very first Women’s Rugby League match to be played at Wembley Stadium.

To her name, Jodie Cunningham has played for St.Helens Women 95 times, scoring 43 tries for a points tally of 172 so far.

St.Helens Women’s vice-captain Emily Rudge has been an inspirational figure in Women’s Rugby League.

The England international captained the national team from 2018 to 2023, including at the home Rugby League World Cup in 2022.

One of the very first to sign up to play for St.Helens Women, Rudge has been with the Saints Women since its formation in 2018 and has been an integral part of our team’s progression.

Playing her part in Saints’ achievements, Rudge has won the Women’s Super League title, two League Leaders’ Shields, and four successive Women’s Challenge Cups. This season, Emily became only the second Women’s player to reach 100 match appearances for the Club, following Channy Crowl.

Rudge has built a substantial online following on social media, regularly sharing and discussing all things Women’s Rugby League and giving the players’ perspective. As one of the most recognised players in the sport, she’s been a major positive influence on its growth.

To her record so far, Rudge has played 102 times for the Red V, scoring 48 tries for a total points tally of 192.

Speaking about the news, Jodie Cunningham told saintsrlfc.com: “Rudgey [Emily] and I have had this in mind as our last year for quite a while, and we thought it was finally time to make it official so we can enjoy our last time making the final of a competition that has played such a huge part in our career.

“Rugby League has given me everything in life and I am so grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have had playing the sport I love.

“There’s still a long way to go with a Challenge Cup Final, the Women’s Super League and hopefully a World Cup at the end of the year, but knowing this is my last season just makes me even more motivated to go out and give everything I’ve got to hopefully lift some silverware with this incredible club and the most amazing group of people.”

Discussing 2026 being her final season as a rugby league player, Emily Rudge said: “I think Jodie and I always knew that we would finish together. We’ve had a long career side by side and, honestly, I don’t think either of us wanted to play without the other. A long time ago, we said that when the time came, we would retire together.

“I probably do feel like I could carry on for another couple of years! But I’m certain that this is the right decision. I’m excited for other opportunities and being able to experience some new things.

“Rugby League has been a massive part of my life and a huge part of my identity. Every major moment in my life links back to rugby in some way. It’s helped shape me as a person and given me opportunities to do amazing things and meet incredible people.

“Being a St.Helens player has been amazing. Since the start in 2018, the whole journey has been really special, starting with a core group of players and still playing alongside so many of the same girls has been incredible. I think that togetherness shows on the field as well.

“With this being our final year, we just want to go all out, give absolutely everything and make it a season to remember. The World Cup has always been a huge motivation as well. I’ve played in four World Cups, and I always wanted to push for a fifth, but there’s still a long way to go until then. My focus is fully on Saints, I just want to play well, help the team have the best season possible and enjoy every moment of this final year.”

Chairman of St.Helens R.F.C. Eamonn McManus commented: “Jodie and Emily have been at the core of the remarkable rise of Women’s Rugby League, both at St.Helens and for England, in recent years.

“They have driven the pioneering spirit for the women’s game, and it is future generations who will really bear the fruit of their incredible efforts. They are truly the Pankhurst Sisters of Women’s Rugby League.

“Their playing and ambassadorial records are without equal. I’m sure there is a lot more to come, both on the pitch this season and in the furtherance and improvement of the wider game for years to come.

“Along with everyone at the Club and in the game, I cherish and admire their immense and selfless achievements and look forward to witnessing many more to come.”