Amy Hardcastle, the all-time record try scorer for the England women's rugby league team, has announced her retirement from international play. At 37 years old, the St Helens centre leaves behind an impressive legacy, having scored 30 tries in 29 appearances since her debut in 2009.

England head coach Stuart Barrow hailed her as "one of the defining players of her generation," acknowledging her significant impact on the sport. Hardcastle steps back from the international scene just a month before the Rugby League World Cup, where she has participated in the last three tournaments, but she will continue her club career.

In 2020, she was the only England player named in the Women's Team of the Decade by the NRL, recognizing her outstanding contributions throughout the 2010s.

Reflecting on her career, Hardcastle stated:

Representing England has been the greatest honour of my rugby league career. I feel now is the right time to step away from the international game. I’ll be the biggest cheerleader for the girls who are selected to fly to Australia.

England's opening match in the World Cup is scheduled against Wales in Perth on 17 October.

Barrow paid tribute to Hardcastle, noting her professionalism, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the England program. He emphasized her role as an ambassador for women's rugby league, inspiring both teammates and young players while elevating the sport's profile nationally and internationally.