Barrow Raiders Ladies have continued their build up to their debut in the Betfred Women’s 2022 Super League with a fifth signing.
Emily Stirzaker has been involved with Barrow Raiders Ladies since its formation as a player and team manager, and played for Wigan in 2021, making seven appearances and scoring three tries, including a try on debut.
She started playing rugby at the age of six at Hindpool Tigers, and switched codes to play rugby union at the University of Cumbria.
Stirzaker joined Preston Grasshoppers, and went on to play for Waterloo in the Premier 15’s.
She has played county rugby for Lancashire in both codes and has also represented England Students, Great Britain Teachers and England Lions.
She says: “I have been involved with Barrow Ladies since they first formed as a player and team manager. I am so proud of how far the team has come in this time.
“Although it was a difficult decision, I left Barrow two seasons ago to play for Wigan Warriors. The main reason behind this was for my own personal development. I wanted a new challenge and to push myself to be the best player I can be.
“I have loved my time at Wigan, despite disruptions due to Covid and a knee injury, but I must admit, nothing beats playing for your home-town with all your close friends.
“Up until this week I was set on staying at Wigan for at least another season, but after seeing the buzz on Barrow’s social media, with some fantastic new signings and hearing great things about the new head coach Amanda Wilkinson, something just clicked and I knew I didn’t want to miss out on being a part of this next chapter for Barrow.
“I am very grateful for all the opportunities rugby has given me and for the good friends and team-mates I have met along the way. I hope there is many more to come. Rugby is my passion and I can’t imagine life without it.
“Being the first Cumbrian team in the Super League is massive and I can’t wait to be back training with the team and back on home turf playing in front of a home crowd with all my mates.”
Head coach Amanda Wilkinson said: “I know how much it will mean to the ladies to have her back at Barrow playing and I’m happy for her to have this opportunity to play in Super League for her hometown.
“She is a smart player and has had so much experience playing from a young age and at many different levels.
“It’s great to have another Barrow lass in the squad and to have such talented players wanting to be part of this little piece of history for rugby league in Cumbria it can only be a positive.
“It shows the strengths that Barrow Raiders and Cumbria have to support the growth and talent for Women in the area. Emily was here at Barrow when it all began for the team so it will be amazing to welcome her back.
“Emily’s presence in the team is going to be amazing. She is such a useful player who has a great knowledge and understanding of the game. We could play Emily in various positions and she will have an impact and that’s what’s so valuable about her.
“I’m really pleased with how the recruiting has gone so far, having such a great foundation of players already playing at Barrow has really helped with that and all the new players we have attracted to the squad is almost complete.”
