Barrow Raiders Ladies are excited to confirm the signing of former rugby union player and Liverpool-based firefighter Emma Hutchinson.
The 29-year-old, pictured on the left, will link up with twin sister Claire at the Raiders, having been impressed by the club’s fortunes throughout the 2022 season.
Despite having no prior rugby league-playing experience, she was invited to training by Ladies head coach Amanda Wilkinson.
RESERVE NOW: FIFA World Cup benches
The Ladies’ new number 30 will now bolster the club’s backline ahead of the end-of-season run-in.
“She has really impressed me in training with how quickly she has adapted to rugby league,” Wilkinson said.
“She is a strong athlete who enjoys contact, and has great skill with ball in hand. I’m looking forward to having Emma as part of our squad for the remainder of the season.”
A new addition to the rugby league talent pool, Hutchinson grew up in Cumbria and started playing rugby union at the age of 14 for Furness Rugby Club’s U15s.
Later in her life, she also spent time playing for Waterloo RFC in Liverpool, having joined Merseyside Fire & Rescue four years ago, progressing to station manager.
LADIES NEWS: Duo promoted from Reserves side
She has made just shy of 100 appearances for Waterloo – where she also played alongside twin Claire and fellow Raiders star Vanessa Temple – and has also featured at county level for Cumbria and Lancashire, regional level for the north-west and divisional level for the North of England.
Hutchinson will now turn her hand to the 13-woman code as she looks to help the Raiders Ladies finish the season strongly.
“Having played union for my entire rugby career, I’m looking forward to the challenge of converting to league.,” she said.
I’m looking forward to being back playing rugby for my hometown of Barrow, and also alongside my twin.
“I have watched the ladies develop since starting the season, and to be part of that journey is exciting.”
Buy your tickets for Sunday’s Betfred Championship clash with Featherstone Rovers!