Hardcastle appointed Women’s Head Coach
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the appointment of former England international and Rugby League icon Amy Hardcastle as our new Women’s Head Coach for the 2027 season.
Amy has enjoyed a stunning 18-year career to date, which began in 2009 and saw her represent the Bulls during its inaugural years, winning a famous treble in 2017 before enjoying similar success at St Helens and Leeds Rhinos in recent years.
Her international career also began in 2009 and has seen her make 29 appearances for England, scoring a staggering 30 tries to sit as the current all-time leading try scorer, before announcing her international retirement last month.
Amy Hardcastle said:
“I am incredibly proud and excited to be taking on the role of Head Coach of Bradford Bulls Women. Bradford Bulls has always been a special club to me, so the opportunity to return in this role is something that means a huge amount personally. I know what it feels like to pull on the Bulls shirt, to represent this city and to be part of something bigger than yourself, and I am extremely proud to now have the opportunity to help lead the next chapter of the Women’s team.
“We have a fantastic opportunity at Bradford to build something really special. There is talent within our current squad, but there is also a huge amount of potential coming through our girls’ pathway and that is something I am particularly excited about.
“I want our Women’s team to represent what Bradford Bulls stands for — passion, pride, hard work, togetherness and ambition. There is a huge amount of work ahead, but that is what makes this opportunity so exciting. I want to build something that our players, supporters and the whole Bradford Bulls family can be proud of.”
Bradford Bulls’ Head of Women’s and Girls’ Rugby Rebecca Ball-Knight, who is sponsored by John Hazell, said:
“Having Amy Hardcastle as the Head Coach of Bradford Bulls Women is about so much more than appointing an experienced rugby league brain — it is about bringing someone back to the club who understands exactly what it means to wear the Bulls badge.
“Amy has already left an incredible mark on Bradford Bulls, both as a player and as a leader. She was a key part of the club’s historic treble-winning, unbeaten 2017 side, and her career at the highest level, including representing England, has given her an incredible wealth of experience and knowledge of the women’s game.
“For our current team, having Amy leading the way provides an opportunity to learn from someone who has experienced the highest levels of the sport. She understands the demands of elite rugby, but equally understands the importance of culture, togetherness, hard work and believing in what is possible. They now have someone in the building who has lived the journey they dream of taking. They can see that a girl from our region can go on to represent Bradford, play at the highest level and represent her country — and then come back to help inspire the next generation.
“Amy represents our ambition for the future. We want Bradford Bulls Women to be a club where players can develop, compete at the highest level and be proud to represent their city. Amy’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to investing in the women’s programme and building something that can have a lasting legacy.
“As Head of Women’s and Girls Rugby, I am incredibly excited about what Amy can bring to our programme. This is about building a strong women’s team today, but it is also about creating a pathway for the girls of tomorrow. We want the next generation to look at Bradford Bulls and believe “That could be me.” and with Amy Hardcastle leading our Women’s team, I truly believe we are taking another important step towards making that vision a reality.”
Bradford Bulls CEO, Jason Hirst said:
“I’d first of all like to congratulate Amy on becoming Head Coach of our Women’s team. Her connection and history with our club and her achievements within our sport are well documented and there for all to see. I’ve no doubt that she’ll be an inspiration to our existing squad, staff and local female players, alike.
“I’d also like to thank our Head of Women’s Rugby, Rebecca Ball-Knight for her diligence in securing Amy’s appointment.
“Together, supported by their backroom staff, I’m sure they will harness and develop the plethora of young female talent that exists within the club and its’ pathway system.
“Doing so can only improve our prospects of on-field success, as we look to further enhance and promote Girl’s and Women’s Rugby League in our city and local district.”