This weekend, Sian Hobday reached a remarkable career milestone for the Richmond Women’s 1st XV, earning her 100th cap before bowing out and retiring on the hallowed turf of Richmond Athletic Ground, where her journey first took flight.

And if the scriptwriters had any say, they couldn’t have written a better ending. With the emotion of the occasion hanging quietly in the background all week, Richmond produced a performance worthy of the moment: a dominant 90–5 victory over Henley Hawks, sending Hobday into retirement with a fitting, emphatic farewell.

Hobday has been a central figure in Richmond’s pack for over a decade, a physical, relentless presence whose bright red hair and trademark work rate became synonymous with the 1st XV.

Starting in the Richmond Impalas (Women’s 3rd XV) and then moving into the Valkyries (2nd XV) between 2011 and 2016, she earned her first call-up to the 1st XV under new head coach Brett Taylor in September 2016. Her debut came at home against Lichfield, a memory she recalls with enormous pride “It was my first Premiership cap. We lost, I was exhausted, but it was the best feeling ever to wear the 5 shirt on home turf. I never thought I would go on to play this many times.” She went on to compete in four consecutive seasons in the Premiership, one of the most storied women’s rugby leagues in the world.

Richmond Women have long been a cornerstone of the women’s game, one of the first female rugby teams ever formed, a club that helped shape the women’s rugby landscape and developed countless internationals. We are nine-time Premiership champions and played a foundational role in the creation of the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1990.

For Hobday, being even a small part of that legacy has meant everything. “The women’s team at Richmond is legendary, and it’s been incredible to have been part of a small chapter in its history.”

When the team was forced out of the top tier and into the Championship South 1, Hobday embraced the transition with her teammates. In fact, she describes the last three years, despite the league change, as some of her most enjoyable rugby years to date, “It’s all down to my teammates and coaches. THANK YOU. I definitely have friends for life.”

Among her standout memories, one moment rises above the rest. Last year’s Championship play-off final at Allianz Stadium. Richmond faced Old Albanian Saints and while the result didn’t fall our way, the experience was unforgettable. “Running out in front of so many Richmond fans, friends, and family was very special and a career highlight.”

Throughout her 14-year journey, Hobday credits the many coaches who helped mould her game, but none more so than current head coach Ross Doneghan. “I have to give a huge thank you to Coach Ross. His passion and enthusiasm for the game is second to none, and I’m so grateful for all of his support on and off the pitch, pushing me to challenge myself and grow into a leadership role.”

Doneghan returned the praise with equal admiration: “Sian Hobday has embodied all we strive for at Richmond Rugby. Her commitment and tireless effort to perform at the highest level has helped shape the women’s section into what it is today. A standout performer and a cherished teammate, we count ourselves so fortunate to have shared in her journey.”

As she closes the chapter on her playing career, Hobday reserves her most heartfelt thanks for someone who has been there since her very first pass. “I have to say a very special thank you to my Dad, who many will have seen on the sidelines or in the clubhouse at every single one of our games. I would never have picked up a rugby ball or made it as far as I have without him, from throwing a ball around down the park to sweeping snow off the lines at the RAG so our game could go ahead.”

“This club has been a huge part of my life for the past 14 years and it’s been an absolutely wild ride. Thank you to the entire Richmond family! I’m excited for what’s next and can’t wait to cheer on the girls all the way to another Twickenham final!”

Congratulations, Sian. We look forward to seeing you at a Richmond game soon!