A graduate of the St.Helens Women’s Academy has earned her opportunity in the senior squad, with Academy Saint Arabella Dahou stepping up into the Women’s First Team!
The talented young halfback joined the Saints Women’s Academy ahead of the inaugural 2025 Women’s Under-19s competitive season, looking to continue her development as an aspiring player.
Dahou’s rugby league journey began with the Culcheth Eagles boys’ team before spells with Warrington Girls Community RLFC and Warrington Wolves, prior to joining St.Helens.
She featured in the opening match of the 2025 Saints Women’s Academy season but suffered a fractured femur that ruled her out for the remainder of the year. Arabella has responded brilliantly in 2026, excelling for our Under-19s side and earning her place in the St.Helens Women’s First Team squad.
Speaking to saintsrlfc.com, a delighted Arabella Dahou said: “I’m so excited! It’s such a great opportunity for me to be around such talented players, and I can’t wait to learn more from them.
“When I first joined Saints, I really wanted to test myself as a player and become better, and I felt there was no better place than here to do that. My first season was really difficult, but now that I’m back playing and getting opportunities, I’m just trying to take every chance with both hands.”
Dahou has been training alongside the senior squad in recent weeks as the Saints Women prepare for the Super Four stage of the Betfred Women’s Super League.
Arabella is now aiming to earn her official debut and play her part during the business end of the season.
“It’s been really good. It’s different to the Academy because you’re training with much more experienced girls and you learn so much from them, both tactically and about life in general.
“With the top four stage coming up, it would be brilliant to get an opportunity in such a competitive game. Making my debut would mean so much to my family and me; it’s everything I’ve worked for – that moment. It would mean everything to my family too because they have sacrificed a lot to help me get there.”
By joining our Women’s First Team, Dahou follows in the footsteps of England international Katie Mottershead and the Saints Women’s 2025 Young Player of the Season, Erin McDonald, by progressing through our Academy programme. She also joins Liv Leach and Mia Drescher, who have both made their mark for the Red V during the 2026 season with a number of standout performances.
Head of Women’s Pathways & Performance at St.Helens, Jodie Cunningham commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to see Arabella progress into the Saints senior squad. It’s a just reward following her efforts in the Academy season so far, and she has shown tremendous spirit after a tough start to her time with us.
“Credit must go to our Academy coaches and staff, such as Graham Cranny, who work exceptionally hard with our players to help them develop.
“Arabella adds further competition as we enter the Super Four stage of the Women’s Super League season, and we’re delighted for her to play her part.”
