St.Helens R.F.C. can confirm that one of the Club’s pioneering Women’s players, Zoe Harris, will retire from playing rugby league at the end of the 2026 season.
A lifelong St.Helens fan and proud representative of her hometown, Zoe has been part of our Women’s team from the very beginning, after being encouraged to attend the Club’s trials by her close friend Channy Crowl. Harris’ talent saw her stand out and, when the St.Helens Women’s team was officially formed in November 2017, she became part of the inaugural squad.
Earlier this year, Zoe played in her 100th St.Helens match on the big stage of the Women’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. No stranger to the national stadium, it was the same venue where she was named Player of the Match in 2024, playing her part as Saints won a historic fourth successive Challenge Cup title.
Alongside the four Cups, Zoe also has two League Leaders’ Shields to her name, in 2021 and 2024, as well as the 2021 Women’s Super League title, completing an historic treble.
An England international, Harris has represented her country on six occasions, including at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.
Zoe has featured for St.Helens on 104 occasions, scoring 30 tries and kicking 57 goals for a total of 234 points so far.
Speaking about her retirement, Zoe Harris told saintsrlfc.com: “Coming from the start to where the Saints Women and Women’s game in general is now has been absolutely immense. The growth and the journey have been amazing, and it’s been an honour to be part of it. I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes.
“Playing for your hometown club or playing for a Super League side was basically non-existent just over ten years ago. So the fact that it’s where it is now and what the Club provides for us is massive. It’s not just about wearing the badge; it’s the physios, the medical and mental health support and so many other things to show care for players.
“The game is growing at a steady pace, with more girls wanting to get involved and play. It’s amazing to see how far the game has come. I’m hopeful I’m leaving St.Helens Women in a good place for others to be pioneers and drive the game forward even further.”
Being able to play for the team and Club she loves has meant everything to Zoe.
“I’ve completely lived out the dream. Looking back over the last couple of years and everything we’ve achieved as a Club, winning the treble and the four Challenge Cups in a row, going to Wembley, they are amazing memories.
“I think the best memory for me was when the men and women both won the Challenge Cup in 2021, and we had the open-top bus going around St Helens. I don’t know why, but that stands out completely above everything else. It’s my hometown, and seeing my family, friends and people I used to go to school with standing there waving was something that words actually can’t describe. It meant so much to me.”
In expressing her gratitude for all the game has given her, Zoe wanted to thank those who have played a role in her rugby league journey.
“To my partner, Megs, you’ve lived every high and low of this journey with me. There’s so much you’ve sacrificed and done behind the scenes that nobody will ever know, and I genuinely couldn’t have done any of this without you beside me. So many plans arranged around rugby, your messages before and after games, and then being proud regardless of results. Thank you for never making the sacrifices feel like sacrifices, for showing up over and over again and for being proud of me even on the days I wasn’t proud of myself.
“To Mum, you’ve been there from the very beginning. From me starting rugby at six years old, right the way through to now, you’ve been at every game you possibly could be. Through all the different teams, the highs, the lows, the injuries and everything in between, you’ve always been there supporting me. I probably haven’t said it enough over the years, but I’ll always be grateful for everything you’ve done and sacrificed to allow me to do something I’ve loved for so long. A massive part of this journey belongs to you too. Thank you for always being there and always being my biggest supporter.
“To my family and friends, thank you for exactly the same thing, for being patient and for all the support you’ve given me. They might not realise how much difference it has made, but hearing their voices on the sidelines and knowing they’re there for me has made a huge difference.
“To the Club, it’s been an absolute privilege. Thank you for everything, and all the opportunities to represent my hometown and wear that badge with pride every time I step on the field. It is a massive honour. Even going to training and just having that badge on my shirt is something I’ve always been proud of.
“To every coach who has believed in me, challenged me, backed me, gave me a telling off when I needed it and helped shape the player I became – thank you. Every one of you has left something with me that I’ll carry long after I stop playing.
“To my teammates, past and present, some of my favourite memories won’t even be from games. They’ll be from the changing rooms, bus journeys, training nights, stupid conversations and moments nobody outside the team will ever understand. I’ve shared a pitch with some unbelievable players, but more importantly some unbelievable people.
“And finally to all the fans, to every person who has cheered my name, asked for a picture, sent me a message, worn our shirt or just stopped me to say well done – you probably never realised how much those little moments meant to me. I’ll remember them long after I’ve forgotten scores and results. You’ve been a massive part of the journey of what St.Helens Women has been and where it has got to now. The continued support is helping the Women’s game grow and allowing Saints Women to do what we’re able to do. So thank you for that, and hopefully it continues for many years to come.”
Craig Richards paid tribute to Zoe Harris and said: “We all know the player Zoe Harris is, but what stands out for me is more about the person she is. She’s been absolutely brilliant and an inspiration around the place, and it’s been such a pleasure to be part of her journey. To see how she’s grown as a player, from the person who first walked through the door to the young lady who has not only led this team to so many great trophy wins, but also played a big part in a home World Cup.
“We wish her all the best in retirement, but there’s no doubt she’ll crop up in the game as a coach or in some other form at some stage. She’s got a wealth of knowledge, and we need to keep her in the game.”
