Leeds Rhinos bring in another signing from rivals to bolster women’s squad

Leeds Rhinos Women have confirmed the signing of Izzy Northrop, 22, from Huddersfield Giants ahead of the 2023 Betfred Women’s Super League season.

Northrop, who is from Halifax, is currently studying for her PGCE at Newcastle University after previously completing a modern languages degree in French, Spanish and Portuguese.  After starting playing Rugby League at school when she was ten years old, she later played for Brighouse Rangers, where she was spotted by the Huddersfield Giants scouts.  She joined the Giants Academy and went on to win the Super League Shield with the club in 2021and was named Vice Captain in 2022.  Alongside her Rugby League career she has also played Union with Old Brodleians since she was 13 years-old and with her University team for the last five seasons. In 2022 she was also named in the England RL Students squad.

Speaking about signing for the Rhinos, Northrop said: “It’s really exciting to be part of something this big and I am ready to play my part and contribute to the team.

“Training with the team has been really intense but I am loving it and really enjoying pushing myself.  Lois is a really great coach so I am keen to learn from her and listen to  feedback and push for a starting shirt.  I know the team are very ambitious and I want to help them achieve those goals.”

Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Lois Forsell added: “We are delighted to add Izzy to our squad for the upcoming season.  I have been impressed with her in training, she is fit and athletic, learning lots with each session, so I am looking forward to seeing her develop in 2023.”