Speakman to leave the Warriors

Wigan Warriors have confirmed that Record Appearance maker, Holly Speakman, has made the decision to step away from the Warriors.

42-year-old Speakman, who has made 104 appearances in Cherry & White, the most of any of their Women’s players, has called time on her playing career with the Warriors after an eight-year stint with the Warriors and will focus on coaching with Wigan St Patrick’s where she will also return to the open age game.

Speakman joined the Warriors from local Community Club Wigan St Patrick’s in 2017 after impressing at the initial trials, and was part of the inaugural Warriors Women’s team under Amanda Wilkinson in 2018, earning heritage number 12.

The 42-year-old forward made her debut in Wigan’s first-ever fixture at Robin Park Arena in a win over Featherstone Rovers, and featured from the bench in the 2018 Women’s Super League Grand Final, with Wigan winning at the first time of asking.

Known for her fierce fend, Speakman became the first Warriors Women’s player to hit the 100 Club in July 2025 - ending the 2025 season on 104 appearances.

During her time with the Club, Speakman has lifted three major trophies. In addition to her 2018 Grand Final win, she started in Wigan’s 2025 Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup winning team at Wembley Stadium before lifting the League Leaders’ Shield with Wigan for the first time later in the year.

Ahead of the 2026 Season, Speakman has made the decision to leave the Warriors where she will concentrate on her day job, spending time with her first grandchild and continue her work as Wigan St Patrick’s Assistant Coach to the Women’s Open Age team.

Head Coach Denis Betts said: “Holly has made a massive contribution to the standard of Wigan Warriors Women. Her energy, enthusiasm and love for the game was clear to see in every training session and every game.

“Her leadership both on and off the field were a huge part of our success in 2025. I personally can’t thank her enough for everything she did whilst I was Head Coach at the Club.”

He added: “Her contribution obviously goes a lot further back than me, she deserves all the success she has had and hopefully will be a big part of this Club moving forward.”

Speaking on her departure, Speakman said: “It’s with real sadness that I’ll be leaving Wigan Warriors but at this moment it’s the right choice for me. I want to focus on my work and most importantly, my family.

“I’m walking away with incredible memories and so much pride in what I’ve achieved — moments that my family have been there to witness and share with me. It has truly been an honour to wear the badge and represent this Club.”

She continued: “Some of my favourite memories will always be playing in the first ever game at The Brick Community Stadium and, most recently, stepping out at Wembley Stadium and winning the Challenge Cup. Those are moments I’ll treasure forever.

“Now I look forward to supporting from the stands and watching the youngsters continue to grow and take the game even further. I’m incredibly grateful for all the support I’ve received from Wigan and I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all the staff and the friends I’ve made along the way - Once a Warrior, always a Warrior.”

Wigan Warriors have wished Holly all the best in her future endeavours and thank her for her outstanding contribution to the team over the past eight years.