Barrow Raiders Ladies have signed a West Cumbrian rugby union star in 25-year-old utility forward Nicole Stewart.
The Whitehaven-born Stewart helped Workington Finches win the Papa John’s Community Plate in back-to-back years, the first of them at Twickenham.
But Stewart is no stranger to rugby league having started playing in secondary school and represented Cumbria Wildcats for two years.
She is now playing for Workington Town Ladies rugby league side.
However, Stewart has spent the majority of her career playing rugby union, operating predominantly as a fly-half for local club Workington Zebra Finches over the last seven years.
The regular goal-kicker she scored 140 points for the Finches during the 2023/24 season.
Now the Raiders Ladies’ newest signing is looking forward to rising to the challenge of the Betfred Women’s Super League.
She said: “To play for Barrow in Super League is a massive honour for me, and to be a part of a squad competing at the highest level is something special.
“I’m ready for the challenge ahead, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Head coach Amanda Wilkinson was full of praise for her new signing, admitting that she was looking forward to seeing what Stewart can do in Raiders colours.
“Everyone has spoken well of her. She has great skill in taking on the defence, has good footwork, vision and is strong in defence.
“When I went to watch her play for Workington, she impressed me by taking on the defence with her two-handed carry, dummy and footwork, beating them numerous times.
“She has an excellent passing range and is equally strong in defence. I’m looking forward to coaching her.”
Stewart goes straight into contention for the Raiders Ladies’ upcoming fixtures, starting with a trip to York Valkyrie on July 7.
