Scrum-half Jenny Maxwell, the 33-year-old who had a stellar Scotland career and earned 40 caps for her country, has announced she is retiring from playing with Leicester Tigers and is taking up a new role with the Rugby Players Association.
Maxwell made her Scotland debut against France in 2015 and battled through a number of injuries – including serious knee injuries in 2020 and 2022 – to make a real impact with the national team over a number of years.
With a father from Annan, she was always aware of her Scottish roots and began playing rugby when she was around six at her local club Leicester Forest.
As she got older, she played for Nottingham Paviors and when she moved to study at Leeds Beckett University after school she turned out for the university side and then Lichfield.
Age-grade caps and sevens honours followed before her first XVs interview and in a previous interview she said: “To get my first full cap in 2015 was a dream come true and my dad [Stuart] was especially proud to see me running out for Scotland – he is my number one supporter along with my mum [Samantha], they have helped me get to where I am now with my rugby.”
Club-wise post-Lichfield, between 2017 and 2024 she was with Loughborough Lightning and has made 31 appearances for Leicester Tigers in the last couple of years. She also turned out for Edinburgh Rugby in the Celtic Challenge.
She will leave the PWR club after this weekend’s fixture against Exeter Chiefs and Leicester’s head of women’s rugby Fraser Goatcher said: “Jenny Maxwell leaves a legacy that goes far beyond the pitch. As captain of Leicester Tigers women she has given everything to this programme: time, energy, resilience and an unwavering belief in what this team could become.”
“Through the toughest moments her leadership never faltered, she set the standard, lifted those around her and carried the badge with pride and determination.
“Jenny isn’t just one of the finest players to wear the shirt – she’s one of the finest people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with.”
Maxwell said: “Leicester Tigers means a family to me. I have been a season ticket holder here since childhood and I can’t remember my life without Leicester Tigers.
“The fans are incredible, they’ve been there and we hear them and we feel them and we feel the love every single time we take the field so thank you.”
“I can’t quite believe that it’s the end for me.”
In terms of her next role, well Maxwell has been appointed the Rugby Players Association’s central player support manager.
Her role strengthens the RPA’s commitment to the growth and wellbeing of female players across elite rugby. She will play a central role in providing welfare, education and career transition support to women’s players while also contributing to the development and delivery of key player programmes.
Scotland cap number 188, Maxwell added: “I’m energised to be starting this new role with the Rugby Players Association especially at such a pivotal time for the women’s game.
“Having lived experience in the sport, stepping away from playing into a role where I can combine my passion for player wellbeing with my love for the game feels incredibly meaningful.
“Together with my professional experience, this gives me the insight to support players as they navigate their careers and their lives beyond the pitch. I’m committed to making a positive and lasting impact in this next chapter.”
Jenny Maxwell is pictured in her Scotland days – thanks to Scottish Rugby
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