Huddersfield Giants sign ex-York Valkyrie star Sade Rihari

The half-back, who led York to an unprecedented second consecutive Grand Final win in 2024, returns to the Giants, with whom she won the Women’s Super League Shield in 2021.

There, she will reunite with winger-turned-prop Kelsey Gentles, who finished the 2025 season with Huddersfield after undergoing knee surgery following her try in York’s aforementioned Grand Final triumph.

"I’m really looking forward to joining the Huddersfield Giants Women’s team for the 2026 season,” Rihari told the Giants’ website.

“I’ve always admired the club’s culture, ambition, and commitment to achieving success and pushing to become one of the top-performing teams in the WSL.

“Recent personal circumstances have brought me back to Manchester after my time with York, and I’m extremely grateful for the experiences, memories, and development I gained there. I’d like to wish everyone at York the very best for the future.

“Joining the Giants is an exciting new chapter for me, and I’m eager to contribute both on and off the field. I’m determined to bring a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and team-first mindset to everything I do.

“I’m really looking forward to a strong pre-season, getting to know the girls, and playing my part as the women’s game continues to grow and reach new heights."

Rihari won both the League Leaders' Shield and Grand Final in her first season with the Valkyrie. (Image: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

Rihari was one of York’s marquee signings when she joined the club from Women’s Championship winners Salford ahead of the 2023 campaign and went on to sign a two-year contract with the club that winter.

During her time in the Minster city, she won both the League Leaders’ Shield and Grand Final in 2023, before leading York to the Women’s Super League title against all odds last year in the absence of fellow co-captains Tara Jane Stanley and Sinead Peach.

In total, the New Zealander scored five tries in 37 appearances in the black and amber.

She started each of the Valkyrie’s first seven matches this season but made her last appearance for the club in June’s 16-12 defeat to St Helens.

Later in the campaign, the half-back also turned out for dual registration partners Sheffield in the Women’s Championship, scoring just nine minutes into a 32-20 win against Castleford.

Rihari started each of York's first seven Women's Super League games this season but did not feature after June. (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography)

Rihari’s signing is a statement of intent for Huddersfield in their bid to challenge heavyweights Wigan, St Helens, Leeds and York for a place in the play-offs.

The Giants finished the 2025 season in fifth but did run the Valkyrie close in a 24-20 defeat at Laund Hill in June.

James Westerby, Huddersfield’s Head of Women’s Rugby, added: "I’ve known Sade for a few years now. I know the qualities Sade possesses both as a person and a rugby league player.

“Sade’s experience of winning two Grand Finals will hopefully have a positive effect on our playing squad moving forward as we continue our challenge for the top four."