Debut: Leigh Leopards (A) 16/03/2024

Honours -

Challenge Cup: Finalist 2024

Leeds Rhinos Women signed Ella Donnelly from Army Rugby League after the forward impressed at the club’s recent trials.

An impressive first season at the club saw Donnelly play in all 21 matches and feature in her first major final in 2024. As one of five players to debut against Leigh in the Challenge Cup, Donnelly quickly established herself as an option off the bench as she made 15 substitute appearances over the course of the year. She also added two tries against Barrow and Huddersfield too to cap off a great debut season.

2025 saw the prop take on a starting role as she played 13 of 16 appearances that season at prop and loose forward. Donnelly scored five tries across the campaign, touching down twice in a 110-0 win over Warrington as well as in wins over Barrow, Huddersfield and Leigh in the Challenge Cup.

Starting in Rugby Union, Donnelly started at the age of 13, playing for Oakmedians, before she picked up Rugby League at 19. With the Army's Rugby League, she has played for the last seven years with the side, during which she notably won the Challenge Shield in 2019. To date, it is he greatest achievement in the sport as it was the first time that the team had won any silverware.

Outside of Rugby, Donnelly is a doctor in the army, and has played for the England Community Lions. She also enjoys gymnastics and CrossFit off the field.