With the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup competition starting this weekend, we take a look at St Helens Women’s second-rower and former England Women’s captain Emily Rudge – and her cup successes with the club, who are seven-time Challenge Cup winners.
St Helens Women will be looking to retain the Challenge Cup trophy once more in 2024, having won the final for three consecutive years, and Rudge has outlined that this is one of her team’s main priorities heading into the upcoming season:
“For us as a team we’ve definitely got goals to retain the Challenge Cup and get to Wembley again. That’s a huge goal for us."
Also looking ahead to the 2024 season, Rudge spoke of her own personal goals she wishes to achieve, as she enters her seventh year in the Women’s Super League and as a St Helens player:
“For me personally, I want another good season. I want to be the best version of myself and keep competing at the top level.”
Over recent years, the Saints vice-captain has become a notable figure in Women’s Rugby League – known for her strong work ethic, determination, and power on the pitch, as well as being an inspirational captain and leader for the England Women’s side between 2017 and 2022.
And where the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup is concerned, Rudge is no stranger to the women’s competition, having featured in all three of St Helens’ Challenge Cup Final victories.
Prior to her impressive St Helens career, Rudge played a key role in the former club Thatto Heath Crusaders’ incredible Challenge Cup Final win in 2016. Scoring two stand-out tries, the local St Helens amateur side triumphed in a 62-6 win against Leigh Miners Rangers, which saw Rudge lift the trophy for the very first time.
But her first Challenge Cup win with St Helens in the Women’s Super League would take place a few years later in 2021, when Saints enjoyed a comfortable and emphatic 34-6 win over York at the Leigh Sports Village. Rudge showcased a strong performance in this match, scoring a try from a piece of individual brilliance and extending her team’s solid lead in the first half.
This talented Saints outfit became unstoppable in 2021, going on to complete the treble in magnificent fashion and Rudge would also well-deservedly earn a Women of Steel nomination – all of this before going on to retain the Challenge Cup for a second year running, with an 18-8 win over Leeds Rhinos Women at Elland Road.
2023 however, would see the Women’s Challenge Cup Final played alongside the two Men’s Finals for the first time in history, highlighting a huge step in the women’s game - and Rudge recalls what a magical moment it was:
“The Challenge Cup when we won at Wembley was such a dream come true for all of us. To lift the trophy there was just incredible.
“It felt like it shouldn’t even be real. It was just an incredible moment and something that I hope we can do again.”
St Helens would lift the trophy for a third year running and further add to their glittering trophy cabinet, following a 22-8 victory over Leeds Rhinos once more. Both a momentous and emotional experience for all involved, Rudge too recognised the progress the women’s game is making:
“I think women’s sport is growing and it’s getting bigger and better every year. It’s a brilliant sport to be a part of.
“We really see this in so many ways as players, and I think we need to continue this momentum.”
“Playing at Wembley was amazing.”
The Betfred Women's Challenge Cup Final (KO 11.45am) will once again be part of a Finals Day triple-header at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 8 June, alongside the final of the Betfred Men’s Challenge Cup (KO 3pm) and the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final (KO 5.45pm). Plus, there will be the traditional Year 7 Boys’ Champion Schools Final at 10am. Tickets are available online now from only £20 Adults and £10 Under 16s, with family packages also available.
The format of the Betfred Women's Challenge Cup can be found here.
The Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup fixtures can be found here.
