Challenges, inspiration and motivation discussed as Hannah Whitehead shares her story in hope to inspire the next generation
Widnes pack leader Hannah Whitehead linked up with Widnesrugby.com as she opened up on life as a female Rugby player, during a recent interview.
The powerhouse forward and defensive machine sheds light on the challenges committing to the sport, whilst expressing her love and passion representing her home town club.
How was you first introduced to Rugby League and what triggered you to put on the boots for the first time?
I was introduced to Rugby League at 14 years old by my best friend, I was a regular down at Moorfield and as a result I was approached to be apart of the first girls Rugby team in the town called Moorfield Angels.
As a 14 year-old girl, how difficult was it to maintain playing in an era where women’s Rugby was in it’s infancy as a sport?
It was incredibly difficult, in those days the playing pool was incredibly small. On occasions we would have to ask the opposition to lend players on a match day to field a team.
Moorfield was a great set up back in the day, however keeping coaches and players was always a challenge. The club was also a victim of losing its best talent to Thatto Heath, now recognised as the St Helens who compete in the Super League.
Sadly due to girls making the move to Thatto Heath and others deciding the game wasn’t for them, Moorfield Angels eventually folded. I wanted to continue playing the sport so I joined Chorley Panthers, but again the team folded for similar reasons.
You took a 6 year break from the sport, what was your reasons for this?
I decided after College, university was the direction for me. I put my Rugby career on hold, whilst I made the move to Birmingham University, which subsequently lead to me leaving the UK to taste life in the French Alps where I was a Chalet girl.
I did take up Rugby Union briefly at University, but it was too challenging balancing my studies with playing sport.
Life in the French Alps come to an end after a fantastic experience. I returned to the UK where my life changed from parties to motherhood having met my now husband.
We both now live happily in the Peak district with my two beautiful children, plus my husbands two daughters, who mean just as much to me.
After your 6 year break, what sparked a return to Rugby League for you?
I lost myself, I felt isolated in the Peak district. My Husband worked tirelessly providing for the family unit, often working away for periods of time.
I had my beautiful children, but everything else including my family and friends felt so far away. Over time I realised I missed that team environment I was so used to in sport and working in the French Alps.
The local Gym was an option, but I just never felt at home there, something was still missing.
Eventually I heard about a couple of former teammates from Chorley had linked up with Widnes to play, soon enough I travelled down with my sister Aimee to watch the team at the stadium.
It ignited a spark within me and in the weeks later we both signed for Widnes, since that day I have not looked back.
What is your career outside of Rugby League, how do you balance that alongside playing and training?
Life is so busy! I now have a career as a Chef, working in the Manchester Airport lounge. My shifts can start as early as 3.00AM, meaning sometimes I can finish work, have a few hours sleep and travel straight to a game. Equally I can finish a game or training and more or less have to travel straight to work.
Despite how busy life can be, I have learnt it is important to prioritise time for myself for my mental health. It is challenging at times, however it is crucial so I can be the best version of myself in every aspect of my life.
Rugby is the sport that saved me, I committed to Widnes and discovered myself again, I began to enjoy life, friends and fitness once more. As a person I have gone from strength to strength.
As mentioned earlier, you are also a proud Mum, how does it feel representing your home town when they come to support
The children love being my biggest fan! They love the stadium and going on away day adventures to support myself and the team.
Frankie especially thinks I am famous! I wouldn’t change it for the world and it is incredibly rewarding to teach them how important sport can be both physically and mentally.
Who is your inspiration and why in the women’s game?
Easiest answer!
Without doubt my twin sister Aimee, who I cherish playing alongside.
I would shout about her from the roof tops if I could. What she has achieved on and off the field is remarkable. If I ever think I can’t do something, I think of her and it instantly changes my mindset.
I am proud she is the captain of our club and has played for Wigan Warriors in Super League.
Prior to Rugby League, Aimee played Football for Everton, where she secured appearances for England at under 15’s, 17’s and 19’s level.
She has achieved all of this, whilst being diagnosed with diabetes during her playing career, which faces challenges of its own as you can imagine.
Without doubt she is an inspiration to myself, my children and anyone who wants to get involved with sport. She is an example that anything is achievable, what ever challenges you face in life, you can overcome them.
For young girls reading this wanting to get into the sport, what is your advice and where are the best local clubs for development?
Do it! Get involved! Push yourself to that first training session, that’s the hard part. It is difficult and can be uncomfortable, but it could be the best decision you make.
I would recommend attending “Rugbee” at the stadium on a Saturday morning for young girls trying to get involved in the sport. My sister Aimee has a heavy involvement in that and it is a great introduction to the sport with lots of friendly faces.
Halton Hornets for juniors is a fantastic set up and anyone who is over 17, please contact the Widnes Vikings Women’s Instagram page to register your interest in coming along to participate in our training sessions. You will be welcomes with open arms.
Rugby is for everyone, you will be glad you did it!
What is your proudest personal achievement throughout your career?
I have a few, winning my first coaches player of the year award at under 16’s level always sticks with me. Last year I won coaches player for Widnes which also meant a lot.
Captaining Widnes in the 2021 season was an incredible feeling, as was being called up to the Ireland squad prior to Covid.
What is your career highlight?
It has to be winning the 2025 Grand Final for Widnes, securing promotion to the Championship. The hard work we put in throughout the year was staggering. Lifting the trophy at the end of the season knowing it was all worth it is a moment I will never forget.
This Widnes team is like my family and to experience it with them group of girls is something that I can’t compare to anything.
I have had so many highs with this group of girls over past seasons and I can’t wait to get stuck into the Championship in 2026.
