St Helens have confirmed that one of their off-contract forwards will exit the club at the end of the 2025 Super League season.
After announcing winger Jon Bennison’s exit over the weekend, St Helens have now confirmed that second-row forward Joe Batchelor will leave the club at the end of the year.
The 30-year-old has made a total of 111 appearances for Saints, scoring an impressive 24 tries in that time.
Batchelor signed for Saints in 2019, arriving from York having helped the North Yorkshire club ear promotion to the Championship.
Since arriving at St Helens, he’s gone on to become an established presence in their pack and was part of the side that won four Super League titles in a row, playing in both the 2021 and 2022 Grand Finals.
During his time with Saints, he’s also landed an England call-up, making his debut at the 2022 World Cup and scoring a try in his sole appearance.
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St Helens confirm Joe Batchelor exit
He was one of several off-contract Saints and his exit has now been confirmed with the club releasing a statement to announce his departure.
Despite not playing in the World Club Challenge due to injury, he was part of that famous squad and it was something he referenced as ‘one of the greatest achievements’ that he’ll ever be involved in.
Speaking on his exit, Batchelor said: “I’ve been immensely proud to be a part of the St.Helens team and wider community, it has been one of the greatest things that has happened to me in my life so far. I will carry great memories of the town with me forever.
“Being part of the four Grand Final successes in a row, but that 2022 season especially, will always stick with me. And then to go over to Australia to become World Club Champions, knowing what had been sacrificed by everyone to get to that point, it’s one of the greatest achievements I’ll ever be a part of.”
There is still one more regular season and at least one more play-off game for Batchelor during his time with St Helens, and he’s expressed intent to go even further.
“I’ll be giving my all to finish in the best possible way and achieve something really special,” he said.
Head coach Paul Wellens added: “Joe is a player and a person that I have the utmost respect for, and I can confidently say that his teammates share that same feeling.
“During his time here, Joe has contributed so much both on and off the field. So much so that a few written words cannot do it justice.
“He is the epitome of the term ‘team player’, and there’s no length that Joe wouldn’t go to if it meant he could help a teammate. He is a leader in every sense of the word, a man who carries himself with integrity and great humility, and I know I speak for everyone at the Club when I wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
Joe Batchelor will bring his time with the Saints to an end at the conclusion of the 2025 Betfred Super League season.
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— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) September 15, 2025
