Loughborough Lightning and England lock Cath O’Donnell has announced her retirement from rugby at the age of 30.
O’Donnell began her rugby journey in her hometown of Maryport, Cumbria, before going on to represent the University of Liverpool, where she was named Athlete of the Year in 2016. During this period, she also played for Waterloo and quickly earned recognition at England Under-20 level.
She arrived at Loughborough University to study for a Master’s degree in Business Psychology ahead of Lightning’s inaugural season in Premiership Women’s Rugby.
Her impact was immediate. O’Donnell came off the bench against Harlequins in September 2017 to earn Lightning heritage number #028, before marking her first two starts for the club with tries against Harlequins and Wasps.
That early form quickly earned senior international recognition. In November 2017, aged 21, O’Donnell made her Red Roses debut from the bench in a 69-19 victory over Canada at Allianz Park. In doing so, she earned England heritage number #222.
O’Donnell soon established herself as a regular presence in the England squad, helping the Red Roses secure multiple Guinness Women’s Six Nations Grand Slams. Her performances during the 2019 campaign saw her named Forward of the Tournament.
In 2022, she collected a Rugby World Cup runners-up medal after featuring in the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup Final, where England were narrowly beaten by New Zealand.
A further Six Nations title followed in 2023, along with the inaugural WXV 1 crown later that year. Her appearance in England’s 45–12 victory over Canada in Dunedin, New Zealand, proved to be her 30th and final international cap.
At club level, O’Donnell made her 50th appearance for Lightning in a 24-12 victory over East Midlands rivals Leicester Tigers at Franklin’s Gardens. The last of her 61 appearances for the club came in the final game of the 2023/24 season against Saracens in June 2024.
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.
“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.”
Nathan Smith came in as head coach of Loughborough Lightning in the summer of 2023 and saw first-hand how impressive O’Donnell was on the pitch.
He 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.
“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.”
O’Donnell made both her Lightning and Red Roses debuts in the same side as Sarah Hunter, who has since gone on to join England’s coaching set-up, where their paths crossed once more.
Hunter said: “It’s been a privilege not only to have played alongside Cath, but also to have had the opportunity to coach her too. Watching her journey from those early days to becoming an international player has been something really special.
“Cath was never one to take a backward step. Her abrasive, physical style of play made her a formidable opponent and a teammate everyone wanted beside them. She brought intensity, commitment and toughness every time she pulled on the jersey, setting the tone for those around her.
“One of the things I’ll always admire most, though, is Cath’s determination to come back from injuries. The resilience, hard work and mental strength she has shown to return to the game she loves speaks volumes about her character. She never gave up, and that perseverance has been an inspiration to everyone who has had the privilege of playing with or coaching her.
“Congratulations on an incredible career, Cath. Wishing you every success in the next chapter.”