As the season has drawn to a close we have waved a fond farewell to 2 big names in Hull Ionians Women’s Rugby here at Brantingham Park. Both Athina Kouris and Kate Simms have retired this season after putting in long shifts to rugby and their teams.

Athina said : "Hull Ionians Women have been so much more than a rugby team to me, they’ve been a family who have been there through the ups and downs of life. Being surrounded by strong women week in and week out has been a huge motivator to be my best self, and I'll be forever thankful for how much my team have inspired me throughout the years. It was extremely difficult to decide to hang up my boots at the end of this season, after 13 years playing and 9 of those on Hull Ionians Women committee, but I'm confident the team will continue to grow and flourish, and be an integral part of the club for many years to come. "

Kate added: “Playing for Hull Ionians Women has given me some of the best times of my life. What a wonderful team as part of a wonderful club. This sport and these women have shaped me into the person I am and I couldn’t be more grateful. But after 19 years, I wanted to end things on my terms and that decision has allowed me to have a perfect ending. This club is my home and I won’t be far from it, just in the stands rather than on the pitch. I can’t wait to see how the team develops. Up the I’s!”