Jodie Cunningham and Emily Rudge have confirmed they will retire from rugby league at the end of the 2026 season, bringing down the curtain on a partnership spanning two decades. The St Helens captain and vice-captain, both 34, will play their final competitive match together in Saturday's Challenge Cup final against Wigan at Wembley.

Cunningham and Rudge have shared every milestone since 2005, rising from the inaugural St Helens women's squad in 2018 to lift the Women's Super League title, two League Leaders' Shields, and four consecutive Women's Challenge Cups between 2021 and 2024. Cunningham holds 43 tries in 95 Saints appearances and 34 England caps, while Rudge has scored 48 tries in 100 club games and 33 caps.

"We always knew we would finish together," Rudge said. "We don't think either of us wanted to play without the other." Cunningham added that knowing this is her last season has only sharpened her focus ahead of the Challenge Cup final, the Women's Super League, and a potential World Cup later this year. Both players intend to chase one final trophy before walking away.