Trio to leave Leeds Rhinos Women

Leeds Rhinos Women have confirmed that Amy Hardcastle, Shona Hoyle and Caitlin Casey have left the club.

Hardcastle, 35,  joined the Rhinos in 2023 from St Helens and made 32 appearances, including two Challenge Cup Finals at Wembley and the 2023 Grand Final. Hoyle, 31, signed for the club ahead of the 2024 season from St Helens and played 16 times and featured in the 2024 Challenge Cup Final.  Casey, 19, came through the Rhinos Academy, joining the club from Oulton Raidettes and breaking through to the first team to make her debut in 2023.  She made 36 appearances, including two Challenge Cup Finals, and scored 14 tries and 14 goals.

Leeds Rhinos Sporting Director Ian Blease said: “We would like to thank all three players for their contribution to the Rhinos and wish them all the best for the future.  

“As people will be aware there have been several changes to the Women’s playing squad with three players announcing their retirement. 

“We are lucky to have an outstanding Academy at the Rhinos. One of the highlights for the club last season was the emergence of some of the young players in our system with Ebony Stead, Ruby Bruce, Grace Short and Ruby Walker all making their debuts and having a big impact on the team.  I know the coaching staff are excited to see what will come from them next season and there are many more talented players who are pushing for their chance in the first team.

“Leeds is a club that has a proud and successful history of developing their own players and we can see that with the likes of Lucy Murray who was a Women of Steel nominee this year, Ruby Enright, Evie Cousins, Keara Bennett and Caitlin Beevers all coming through the Academy and becoming established Super League players. Alongside this we have been working behind the scenes on recruitment for the 2025 WSL season and the team are looking forward to getting back together soon to begin pre season.”