News & Features International Scotland Women

Maxwell retires from rugby

20 Mar 2026

Former Scotland Scrum-half Jenny Maxwell, has confirmed her retirement from playing after an impressive career for both club and country, and will now move into a new position with the Rugby Players Association (RPA).

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 12: Jenny Maxwell during a Scotland Women's Rugby training session at Oriam, on August 12, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Paul Devlin / SNS Group)

Maxwell earned 40 caps for Scotland, having made her international debut against France in 2015. Despite facing significant injury setbacks – including serious knee injuries in 2020 and 2022 – she remained a key figure for the national side over several years.

With family ties to Annan through her father, Maxwell grew up aware of her Scottish heritage. She started playing rugby at around six years old with her local club, Leicester Forest.

Her development continued with Nottingham Paviors, and after enrolling at Leeds Beckett University, she represented both the university team and later Lichfield.

She went on to gain age-grade honours and represent Scotland in Sevens before earning her first senior international cap.

Reflecting previously, she said: “Getting my first full cap in 2015 was a dream come true. My dad Stuart was incredibly proud to see me play for Scotland – he’s my biggest supporter, along with my mum Samantha, and they’ve helped me reach this point in my rugby journey.”

At club level, Maxwell played for Loughborough Lightning from 2017 to 2024 before joining Leicester Tigers. She also featured for Edinburgh Rugby in the Celtic Challenge, making her long awaited return from injury in 2023.

She will depart Leicester following this weekend’s match against Exeter Chiefs.

Looking ahead, Maxwell has been appointed as the RPA’s central player support manager.

In this role, she will help drive the organisation’s work in supporting female players, focusing on welfare, education and career transition, while also contributing to the development of key programmes within the women’s game.

Scotland cap number 188, Maxwell added: “I’m really excited to begin this new role with the RPA at such an important time for women’s rugby.

“Having experienced the game firsthand, moving into a position where I can support players’ wellbeing while staying connected to the sport means a lot to me.

“My playing background, combined with my professional experience, allows me to help players navigate both their careers and life after rugby. I’m determined to make a positive impact in this next stage.”