Army rugby league duo sign for Super League and Championship teams for 2024 season

Two Army rugby league stars will have the opportunity to make a splash on the national stage after signing for Super League and Championship teams.

Lieutenant Ella Donnelly has been rewarded for a successful trial period with a contract at Leeds Rhinos where she will link up with fellow soldier Bombardier Bethan Dainton.

Speaking to the Leeds Rhinos website, Lt Donnelly said: "I’m very excited to be joining the Rhinos. I have been watching the team for a while so am looking forward to playing with them. 

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"I’ve been involved with the Army Rugby League team for a number of years now and I know the girls who signed for the club last year, but because I was based down south it wasn’t possible to join Leeds. 

"I went on the trials earlier this year and I was lucky to be selected and fortunately then we were able to put things in motion to make the move to Leeds happen."

Elsewhere, Sapper Mike Ogunwale has signed a 12-month contract with Championship team Barrow Raiders.

The soldier represents 35 Engineer Regiment and could feature when the Army play their first round Challenge Cup tie on Saturday LIVE on the Forces News YouTube channel.

He has also represented Nigeria in international competitions.