11 | Shona Hoyle

Originally starting with the Red V during the 2022 season, Hoyle played eight times and scored three tries in her first Saints campaign. However, in 2023 Shona truly shined, scoring 16 times in 17 match appearances, earning a Woman of Steel award nomination for that year too.

During her first campaign with the Red V, Hoyle was cup-tied meaning she could not feature in the Saints’ 2022 Challenge Cup run. However, she was a member of our team that made history by becoming the first women’s rugby league team to win the Challenge Cup at Wembley Stadium, a game in which she also scored.

One of the star forward players in women’s rugby league, Hoyle’s story in the sport began at her local club Siddal. Following the birth of her son Shona returned to action by initially joining Featherstone Rovers, and then Bradford Bulls where she was part of their treble-winning 2017 squad – the opening season of the Women’s Super League era.

From 2019 through to 2021, Hoyle was with the Castleford Tigers and earned the 2019 Women’s Super League – League Leaders’ Shield, and in 2021 stepped up to be co-captain of the Tigers. In 2022 just before moving to St.Helens, Shona was with Huddersfield Giants but made the decision to be a Saint in April that year.

A regular England international, she earned her 20th England cap in 2024.

In November of 2024, Hoyle was announced to be returning to the Saints Women for 2025!

Shona Hoyle holds Heritage Number 43 for the St Helens Women.