LEEDS Rhinos have signed former York Valkyrie and England star Lacey Owen.
The back-rower was amongst 9 confirmed departures from York on the end of their title-winning 2024 season, having reportedly made the selection to not play this 12 months.
Her departure was an unlimited blow for Lindsay Anfield’s side, with the 24-year-old having scored in three Women’s Super League Grand Finals – along with each of the ultimate two.
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But the 24-year-old says she is ready for a “fresh start” at Leeds, the place she’s going to hyperlink once more up with prop Grace Field and outside once more Liv Whitehead, who every made the switch to Headingley closing season.
“I’m pleased to be joining Leeds,” Owen enthused. “It’s a contemporary begin for myself and I can’t look forward to the season to begin.
“I cherished taking part in for York, however this was an opportunity to problem myself in a brand new atmosphere and provides me a brand new perspective on myself as a participant.
“I wish to change into one of the best participant I can and Leeds has rather a lot to supply. The ladies are nice, so it’ll be good to push myself round a brand new group. It’s very skilled and everyone has been welcoming.
“There are some acquainted faces right here, like Liv Whitehead and Grace Field who I do know from York, however all the ladies are pleasant, so it’s been simple to bond with everyone.
“I feel studying has at all times been an enormous a part of my sport. So it will likely be good to use the whole lot that I’ve realized up to now in my profession right here and in addition to have the ability to be a voice for among the youthful gamers who’ve simply began as a result of they’re very proficient.
“It will be great to watch them grow and for myself to grow alongside them too.”
Owen has been a prolific Grand Final try-scorer, together with this effort towards St Helens final 12 months. (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography) The ahead first signed for York in 2022, having come via the ranks at hometown membership Castleford Tigers earlier than taking a break from the game.
She leaves North Yorkshire with a high-quality file of 15 tries in 28 appearances during the last two seasons, which noticed her decide up the membership’s Player of the Year in 2023.
There, she was additionally handed her England debut, scoring inside minutes of coming off the bench in a 60-0 rout of Wales at Headingley.
Owen in movement for York in opposition to Leeds Rhinos in closing 12 months’s play-off semi-final. (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography) Leeds Rhinos interim head coach Leon Crick added: “Lacey has confirmed herself on the highest stage in Women’s Super League, and we’re happy to have the ability to carry somebody together with her expertise into this squad.
“She has played in big games and has the kind of quality you need within your squad to keep competition for places high. She’s already fit in well with rest of the team and we are excited by what she can do in 2025.”
