Rhinos' captain announces retirement

Leeds Rhinos Women’s captain Hanna Butcher has announced her retirement from Rugby League after a seven-year career with the Rhinos.

?Thank you and best wishes to Leeds Rhinos Women's captain @hanna_butcher who has announced her retirement.

?2 x Grand Final Winner
?2 x Challenge Cup Winner
?1x League Leaders' Shield
?1st Women's player to make 100 club appearances
?Heritage number 6?

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) October 15, 2024

Butcher became the first player in the history of the Leeds Rhinos Women’s team to reach 100 appearances when she led out her team against York in this year’s Play Off Semi-Final at AMT Headingley.

The Dewsbury born player, made her Rhinos debut in the team’s first-ever game against Bradford and has been a virtual ever-present since.  She has played in every final for the club, winning the Grand Final in 2019 and 2022 and the Challenge Cup in 2018 and 2019.  In 2023 she was named captain and made history when the team played in the first Challenge Cup Final at Wembley.

Speaking about her decision to retire, Butcher said: “Rugby has taken priority in my life for the last seven years and although I've enjoyed all of the experiences and opportunities it has given me, I am looking forward to hanging my boots up and spending some quality time with my family.

“Leeds took a big chance on me in 2017 when I first signed to play in the inaugural 2018 season. I was a single mum, balancing motherhood, working full-time and running my own household. I remember speaking to Lois on the phone after attending the second trial and promising that I would be 100% committed to Leeds Rhinos if I was selected.

"I can genuinely say that I have kept that promise throughout my time here, but unfortunately going forward I know that it's not a promise I can continue to keep. As my sister said to me recently "You have to be all in...or all out, because you are part of something bigger than yourself.

“There have been many highlights during my time at the club and I’ve had the best years of my life playing for Leeds Rhinos. To be part of the team in general and to experience top-quality training, strength and conditioning and nutritional advice, as well as playing at some amazing stadiums has been incredible.

“The Grand Final win in 2022 will stand out for me.  It was a special day and we were proud that we won in Courtney Winfield Hill's last game. Finally, the whole experience of the first Women's Challenge Cup Final at Wembley in 2023 is one that I will treasure forever and I am grateful forever.

“I would like to thank my family for supporting me on this journey, on and off the field.  Without them it wouldn't have been possible. I hope now that I can return all the favours and support they gave me.

“Thank you to all of the girls, past and present, that I've had the pleasure of playing with at Leeds. I feel blessed to have met each and every one of you. I know some of the friendships I've made will last a lifetime.

“Thank you to all of the coaches, including Strength and Conditioning coaches, nutritionists, physios, doctors, and everyone else at the club that have played a part in the Women’s team. You’re all amazing!”

Leeds Rhinos Women’s head coach Lois Forsell added: “Hanna has been everything that we have needed since she first joined the club.  I remember watching her with Leon Crick and Adam Cuthbertson at the trials and seeing her chopping people down and we knew that was the kind of competitor that we wanted in our team from the get-go.  

"Luckily enough I got to play with her before retiring and then became her coach. She took over the captaincy after Courtney retired and she has been 100% committed, passionate and driven. She is a great role model and support network for the girls, coaches and the whole team, she has really put them first.  We appreciate everything that she has given.

“I think she is even more inspirational as a mum. She has had a lot to balance with work, her family and rugby, but she has always been fully committed. She’s not missed training or a game and has given her all. This season she has had a sore shoulder so has been playing with a niggle but she epitomises what Leeds Rhinos is about and she will never be replaced. She’s not the kind of player or person you can replace. 

"She will leave a big gap and we are fortunate and grateful that we have had her in blue and amber colours. I know that the staff and girls feel fortunate that they have had the opportunity to work and play with her and she will be missed more than she probably realises.”