Lacey Owen signs for the Rhinos

Leeds Rhinos Women have secured the signing of England international Lacey Owen, ahead of the 2025 season.

The second-rower is a two-time Betfred Women's Super League Grand Final winner with York Valkyrie and started her career with her hometown club, Castleford Tigers. She made her international debut with England in 2023 against Wales.

Speaking about signing for the Rhinos, Owen said: “I’m pleased to be joining Leeds, it's a fresh start for myself and I can't wait for the season to start.  I loved playing for York, but this was a chance to challenge myself in a new environment and give me a new perspective on myself as a player.

“I want to become the best player I can and Leeds has a lot to offer. The girls are great, so it'll be nice to push myself around a new group. It’s very professional and everybody has been welcoming.  There are some familiar faces here, like Liv Whitehead and Grace Field who I know from York, but all the girls are friendly, so it's been easy to bond with everybody.

“I think learning has always been a big part of my game. So it will be nice to apply everything that I have learned so far in my career here and also to be able to be a voice for some of the younger players who have just started because they're very talented.  It will be great to watch them grow and for myself to grow alongside them too.”

Leeds Rhinos interim head coach Leon Crick said: “Lacey has proven herself at the highest level in Women’s Super League, and we are pleased to be able to bring someone with her experience into this squad, She has played in big games and has the kind of quality you need within your squad to keep competition for places high. She’s already fit in well with rest of the team and we are excited by what she can do in 2025.”