England Women's international Amy Hardcastle has announced her retirement from international rugby league, bringing the curtain down on one of the most distinguished representative careers in the history of the women's game.
The St Helens centre, who is currently England's all-time leading try scorer, has decided to step away from the international game ahead of the upcoming Rugby League World Cup after representing her country with distinction for more than 15 years.
Hardcastle made her England debut in 2009 and went on to establish herself as one of the greatest players to wear the national jersey. Across her international career, she made 29 appearances and scored 30 tries.
Hardcastle featured in both the 2013 and 2017 Rugby League World Cups and played a key role in England's 2022 World Cup squad, helping drive the continued growth and visibility of the women's international game.
In 2020, Hardcastle received one of the highest honours in the sport when she was named in the Women's Team of the Decade (2010-2019), becoming the only English player selected in the prestigious side. The accolade recognised her outstanding contribution to rugby league and cemented her status among the game's elite players globally.
Speaking on her decision, Hardcastle explains:
"Representing England has been the greatest honour of my Rugby League career. To wear the national shirt, play alongside so many incredible teammates and represent my family, clubs and community has meant everything to me.
"After a lot of reflection, I feel now is the right time to step away from the international game. I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved and how far Women's Rugby League has come during my career.
"I'd like to thank every coach, teammate, member of staff and supporter who has been part of my international journey. I'll be the biggest cheerleader for the girls who are selected to fly to Australia, and I wish the squad and Stuart Barrow every success at the Rugby League World Cup."
Hardcastle will continue her club career with St Helens, where she remains one of the Betfred Women's Super League's standout performers. During her first spell with the club, she helped Saints secure a historic treble in 2021 and the Women's Challenge Cup in 2022.
England Women Head Coach, Stuart Barrow, said:
"Amy has been one of the defining players of her generation and her contribution to England Rugby League cannot be overstated.
"To represent your country on 29 occasions and score 30 tries is a remarkable achievement, but Amy's legacy goes far beyond statistics. She has been an outstanding ambassador for the sport, a role model for young players and someone who has consistently driven standards on and off the field.
"Throughout her international career, Amy has shown professionalism, resilience and an unwavering commitment to the England programme. She has performed on the biggest stages, inspired teammates and helped elevate the profile of women's rugby league both nationally and internationally.
"Her selection in the Women's Team of the Decade speaks volumes about the respect she commands across the game worldwide. To be the only English player included in that team is an exceptional honour and a fitting reflection of the impact she has made throughout her career.
"We completely respect Amy’s decision to retire from international rugby league while continuing her club career and thank her for everything she has contributed to England over the past 15 years. She leaves the international game having played a pivotal role in its growth and development, inspiring generations of players along the way. Amy will always be remembered as one of England’s all-time greats, and her impact on the sport will be felt for many years to come."
Amy Hardcastle - International Career
- England debut: 2009
- International appearances: 29
- International tries: 30
- Rugby League World Cup appearances: 2013, 2017, 2022
- Women's Team of the Decade (2010-2019): Selected in 2020 as the only English representative
