England's most capped women's internationals Jodie Cunningham and Emily Rudge will hang up their boots at the end of the current campaign. Cunningham, with 34 caps, captains both St Helens and England, while Rudge earned 33 international appearances including a spell as national skipper from 2018 to 2023.

Both veterans joined Saints when the women's team formed eight years ago, combining for 197 club appearances. Cunningham, the 2021 Woman of Steel, led St Helens to a league title, two League Leaders' Shields, and four consecutive Women's Challenge Cups between 2021 and 2024. Rudge crossed for 48 tries in 102 appearances, becoming only the second woman to reach 100 matches for the club.

The duo hope to finish their careers at the 2026 World Cup in Australia. Cunningham has already transitioned into administration, taking the role of Head of Women's Pathways and Performance at St Helens in 2024. Chairman Eamonn McManus praised their pioneering impact on women's rugby league.

Their departure marks the end of an era for St Helens, who will lose two players instrumental in establishing the women's game at the highest level.