Stefan Ratchford


Stefan Guy Ratchford is an English rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Warrington Wolves in the Betfred Super League and the England Knights and England international at international level.
He previously played for the Salford City Reds between 2007 and 2011 in the Super League and National League One. Throughout his career Ratchford has played as a and.

Background

Stefan Ratchford was born in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England.
He started playing rugby league at the age of six, initially playing junior rugby for Wigan St Cuthberts before later switching to Wigan St Patricks.

Playing career

Ratchford signed with Salford City Reds in 2005, and made his first team début for the club in 2007 in a fourth round Challenge Cup match against Gateshead Thunder.
In 2008, following the club's relegation to National League One, Ratchford established himself as a regular first team player. He formed an effective halfback partnership alongside Richie Myler, helping the team win the Northern Rail Cup, and the Division One Grand Final.
He played in the 2012 Challenge Cup Final victory over the Leeds Rhinos at Wembley Stadium.
He played in the 2012 Super League Grand Final defeat by the Leeds Rhinos at Old Trafford.
He played in the 2013 Super League Grand Final defeat by the Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford.
Ratchford signed a new deal in 2014 keeping him at the Warrington Wolves until 2018.
He played in the 2016 Super League Grand Final defeat by the Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford.
He played in the 2018 Challenge Cup Final defeat by the Catalans Dragons at Wembley Stadium.
During Warrington Wolves' defeat by Wigan Warriors in the 2018 Super League Grand Final Ratchford was voted winner of the Harry Sunderland Trophy making him only the fourth recipient of the award to have played for the losing side.
He played in the 2018 Super League Grand Final defeat by the Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford.
He played in the 2019 Challenge Cup Final victory over St. Helens at Wembley Stadium.

International career

Ratchford was named in the England squad for 2009 Four Nations, but did not appear in any games during the tournament. At the end of the 2011 season, Ratchford rejected a new contract offer from Salford and joined Warrington Wolves. He also made two appearances for the England Knights in 2011 and 2012.
In October 2017 he was selected in the England squad for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

Honours

In 2015, Ratchford set up a business with former Salford City Reds team mate Matty Smith called Future Stars, which runs coaching sessions for junior rugby league players.