Leah Burke (born 11 June 1998) is an English rugby league footballer who plays as a wing for St Helens in the Women's Super League and represents the England women’s national rugby league team at the international level.
Early life and education
Born in Leigh, Lancashire, Burke was an artistic gymnast throughout her youth, competing in several English championships. At age 16 she was diagnosed with a stress fracture in her lower back, which led to her retirement from gymnastics. She later attended Leeds Beckett University, where she began playing rugby union before transitioning to rugby league.
Club career
Burke joined St Helens in 2018 after attending a trial session. She made her debut in the 2018 Women's Super League and quickly became a regular starter. By the end of the 2022 season she had made 59 appearances for the club, scoring 50 tries and accumulating 252 points. Her speed and agility, honed from her gymnastics background, have made her a prolific try‑scorer on the wing.
International career
Burke earned her first England cap in November 2019, debuting against Papua New Guinea. She has since accumulated six international appearances, scoring 24 points. She was selected for England’s squads at the 2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s and the postponed 2021 Women’s Rugby League World Cup, where she scored six tries across four matches, including a hat‑trick against Papua New Guinea.
Injuries
In June 2023 Burke suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which ended her season and required a period of rehabilitation.
Playing style
Burke is noted for her exceptional speed, acceleration, and agility, attributes attributed to her former gymnastics training. These qualities enable her to exploit gaps on the flank and finish scoring opportunities.
References
Information compiled from publicly available biographical sources, including the athlete’s profile on St Helens R.F.C., national team records, and match reports up to November 2025.
