Claire Rigby joins Hornets Women for 2025

Rochdale Hornets Women have announced the signing of outside back Claire Rigby for the 2025 season.

The 51-year-old outside back returns to the club following stints with Hornets, Whitworth, Littleborough, Leigh East & Wigan St. Pats, having also represented Lancashire twice.

She becomes the 14th signing to join Ben Bird's squad ahead of the 2025 season.

“I started playing at 37, inspired by my kids & husband," she said. 

"It was a great feeling being a part of the first-ever women's team for Hornets in 2013, and I'm really thrilled to be back at Rochdale Hornets for the upcoming season. 

"I'm looking forward to being back on the pitch, playing the sport I love. The coaches have been very supportive and are very welcoming to all. I'd like to thank everyone behind the scenes for making this happen. 

"It's great for us ladies to feel valued as members of this historic club.”

Rochdale Hornets Women head coach Ben Bird said: “Claire's got a long history with Hornets ladies, playing in the first-ever Hornets women's side over 10 years ago. 

"Claire has rugby league running through her veins, being a mother of two rugby players and a wife to another. In her own right though, Claire still has that bit of devil in her when you give her a ball, so it'll be fantastic to see her in a Hornets shirt again this year.”

Photo credit: JM Sport Pix