Wigan Warriors history-maker bids fond farewell ahead of new season - 'Once a Warrior, always a Warrior'
Wigan Warriors Women have confirmed that record appearance holder Holly Speakman has made the decision to depart the club, bringing an end to an eight-year career in cherry and white.
The 42-year-old departs the Warriors Women as their all-time leading appearance maker, having featured 104 times since making her debut in 2018.
Speakman joined the Warriors from St Pats 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.
She made her debut in Wigan’s first-ever fixture at Robin Park Arena and then featured from the bench in the 2018 Women’s Super League Grand Final, which the Warriors won at the first time of asking.
Speakman won three major trophies during her time with the Warriors. In addition to the 2018 Grand Final win, she started in Wigan’s Challenge Cup-winning team at Wembley Stadium in 2025 before lifting the League Leaders’ Shield for the first time later in the year.
Ahead of the 2026 season, Speakman has made the decision to bid farewell to the Warriors, where she will concentrate on her day job, spending time with her first grandchild and continue her work as an assistant coach at Wigan St Patricks Women’s Open Age team.
"It’s with real sadness that I’ll be leaving Wigan Warriors, but at this moment it’s the right choice for me,” said Speakman. “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.
"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.”
Warriors Women coach Denis Betts paid tribute to Speakman’s service to the club over the past eight years.
"Holly has made a massive contribution to the standard of Wigan Warriors Women,” said Betts. “Her energy, enthusiasm and love for the game were 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.
"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.”