Rhinos strengthen squad with new signing

Leeds Rhinos Women have signed prop Jess Sharp, 19, from Betfred Women’s Super League side York Valkyrie.

The Hull-born player, who has already made 30 senior appearances, was part of the England DiSE programme and was in the York team that won back to back League Leaders Shields and a Grand Final in 2024.

She started playing with her local club Lambwath Lions before representing England Community Lions and Hull KR, where she played alongside current Rhinos player Jenna Greening.  In 2024, she represented England DiSE when they took on Catalans Dragons after two years in the programme.

Speaking about joining the Rhinos, Sharp said: “It's amazing to be joining Leeds, and I'm super excited to get involved with the club. I know some of the players already, so it will be good to join up with them.  I know Liv Whitehead from York, Evie Cousins from England DiSE, Ella Donnelly from playing for England Lions and Jenna Greening from my time at Hull KR, so it’s nice to have some familiar faces around me.

“I spoke to some of them and asked what it's like at Leeds and about the environment, and I got nothing but amazing reviews, so I got in touch with Lois and just had a nice conversation with her and then decided to make the move to the Rhinos.

“From speaking to Lois, I was so excited about how she's brought the youth in this year, and that’s important for me, being quite young myself and seeing how they are all flourishing. I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

From playing rugby as a youngster with a boys' team, Sharp says she instantly fell in love with the game.

“I started playing when I was nine years old,” she said. “I was inspired by my dad, who played rugby, and I absolutely just fell in love with the sport.  I played for a local boys’ team in Hull and progressed to the girls’ team when I got a bit older. I then joined Hull KR Women, and that was just great, and I had a brilliant experience there.  I played for England Lions before moving to York, which was also a great experience. My love for rugby has just grown and grown, and I just can't wait for the next chapter of my career at Leeds."

Sharp will be eligible to play in this Sunday’s Betfred Super League game against Warrington Wolves and she is hoping she can help the team to their first league win of the season if selected.

“You can see from watching Leeds and now being in the environment that everyone is so passionate about rugby and the club. Everyone is so driven, and it's great to be a part of.”

Commenting on her signing Leeds Rhinos Women’s head coach Lois Forsell said: “Jess is a great player who I've worked with at  England Knights, as well as seeing a play for Valkyrie. She’s a young middle with a lot of potential and we're just looking forward to working with her and hoping that she enjoys our environment and being with the girls we've got at the club and working with our staff. She's excited to get going and I’m looking forward to working with her more.”