Tigresses sign Spence-Hirst

Castleford Tigers recruitment news is proudly brought to you and sponsored by the club’s official recruitment partner ORB Recruitment.

Castleford Tigers Women are thrilled to confirm the addition of young forward Steph Spence-Hirst from fellow Women’s Super League side Wakefield Trinity for the 2022 campaign.

The adaptable forward who can play at either prop or second row originally hails from Knottingley and has been an avid Castleford Tigers fan since she first came to The Jungle over 10 years ago.

It was at local community club Cutsyke Raiders where her rugby journey started before joining up with Trinity and the Tigresses’ latest signing talked through her rugby career to this point.

“I came down here to watch my first ever rugby league game when I was about six or seven and that’s where my love of the sport was born. I got the opportunity to play rugby league at school and we played in a tournament and one of my coaches said that I needed to play for a club.

“I ended up going down to Cutsyke and over the years I captained the girls’ team in league finals and spent most of my youth there until I was sixteen. I then went to academy trials at Wakefield Trinity and made it into their first team before coming here.”

Spence-Hirst joins a number of fellow former Cutsyke Raidettes teammates at the Fords and she explained that has made it an easy transition to the club that her and her family have been following for years.

“Some of the girls here I have played with since I was about 12 so coming here is like coming back to my roots. I really enjoy playing with the girls that are here. The club has always meant a lot to me and my family. Playing in any shirt is an honor but this club is special. I really looking forward to progressing here.

“I’ve followed both the men’s and women’s teams for years, so it is a bit daunting, but I am really happy to be here. Knowing a few of the girls in the academy and First Team helps but all of them have been really welcoming.”

Castleford’s next contest is on Sunday when they make the short trip to the Be Well Support Stadium to face Spence-Hirst’s former club in a highly anticipated local derby fixture.

In closing, Steph once again affirmed just how much running out in Cas colours will mean not just for her personally but also her family.

“It’s a dream come true for me and my family because me playing at this ground will be really special to them. “

If you would like to support and sponsor Steph for the 2022 season, then please email Michael@castigers.com for more information.