St Helens women’s trailblazers Jodie Cunningham and Emily Rudge announce retirement from rugby league | Rugby League News

St Helens captain Jodie Cunningham and vice-captain Emily Rudge will both retire from rugby league at the end of the 2026 season.

Lifelong best friends and England’s two most capped women’s players, Cunningham and Rudge, who are both 34 years old, will feature in the Challenge Cup final against Wigan at Wembley on Saturday.

The Saints duo went to school together and have been playing alongside each other since 2005. They will bow out following glittering careers.

Between them, they helped St Helens win the Women’s Super League title, two League Leaders’ Shields, and four back-to-back Women’s Challenge Cups between 2021 and 2024.

“I think Jodie and I always knew that we would finish together,” Rudge said.

“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.”

Both Cunningham and Rudge became members of the inaugural St Helens women’s team, founded in 2018.

Cunningham was named co-captain in 2019 before being appointed the club’s lone captain in 2021, leading the Red V to a historic treble.

The 34-year-old loose forward was later revealed as the Woman of Steel for the 2021 Betfred Super League Season. Cunningham has scored 43 tries in 95 matches for the Saints.

Cunningham has also won 34 caps for the England women’s national side, surpassing Rudge, on 33 caps, last year.

“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,” Cunningham said.

“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.”

Rudge, who previously captained England, is one of only two players to have made 100 appearances for the club, scoring 48 tries.

“I probably do feel like I could carry on for another couple of years!” Rudge said. “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.”

Sky Sports will again show every game of the Super League live this season – including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining five matches each week shown on Sky Sports+