'It feels like the right time to step away': 30 cap Red Roses lock retires

England Red Roses lock Cath O’Donnell has announced her retirement from rugby at the age of 30.

The 30-cap international, who represented Loughborough Lightning in Premiership Women’s Rugby, has not played a game in two years. Her final match for the East Midlanders came against Saracens at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.

O’Donnell burst onto the scene nine years ago while still a student at the University of Liverpool. During her time on Merseyside the Cumbria native also turned out for top flight club Waterloo where she earned England Under-20 caps.

In her first season with Lightning in 2017/18, O’Donnell made her England debut against Canada. She represented England 29 more times and ended the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup with a runners-up medal.

Amidst her international appearances, O’Donnell has been dogged by injury. Something which the 30-year-old cited as a reason for her decision to retire.

O’Donnell said: “It feels like the right time to step away. I always said I would retire at 30, but as a rugby player, you just hope that time never comes around. Everyone knows I’ve always been a home bird, so heading back north to be closer to my family will help a lot with my transition away from professional sport.

“Injuries have definitely played their part in my decision to step away. I’ve undergone multiple surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation periods following ankle reconstructions, broken shins, ACL injuries and a broken femur, to name just a few. As time goes on, the injuries become tougher, and you start to realise that there is a life to live after rugby too.

“I’d like to thank all of the staff and players at both Loughborough and England for their support and belief throughout my journey. Rugby has been a massive part of my life for 25 years, and I am incredibly grateful for all of the opportunities and experiences it has given me.

“To represent my country 30 times in stadiums all over the world, sing the national anthem in front of family and friends at Twickenham, and wear the rose in a World Cup final are moments that can never be taken away from me.

“There have been enormous developments in women’s rugby during my time in the game, and I wish everyone involved the very best for the future as the sport continues to grow and reach even greater heights. I hope everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the special occasion that every game can be, at every level.”

When Nathan Smith landed as Loughborough head coach in 2023 he got to see how impressive O’Donnell was for himself. The lock had just helped the Red Roses to the inaugural WXV 1 title in New Zealand. That tournament proved to be O’Donnell’s last for the Red Roses.

Nathan Smith, Loughborough Lightning head coach, said: “In my first year as Lightning head coach, she was phenomenal for us and was one of our stand-out players in the 2023/24 season.

“Cath will be remembered as one of the most physical and abrasive ball carriers in the women’s game.

“She is a Lightning original, someone who has been with the club throughout our journey in Premiership Women’s Rugby and has made a huge impact during her time in African Violet.

“I’d like to congratulate her on a tremendous career, that went right to the very top of the sport, and we wish her all the very best with the next chapter of her life.”