The 26-year old spent four seasons at Leeds Rhinos, where she was a 2022 Grand Final winner, and a three time Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup finalist, including in 2022 when she scored for the Rhinos and was named Player of the Match in the defeat by St.Helens at Elland Road.
On the back of her form that year, she earned a place in the England World Cup squad.
After initially starting out playing rugby union, Hornby played league for Cramlington Rockets and Whitley Bay Barbarians in her native North East.
After taking a step back from the sport last summer to concentrate on her role with Newcastle Falcons Foundation, she’s now returning to take up the opportunity with the Valkyrie.
Hornby said: “I just wanted to progress my career outside of rugby.
“I then kind of got approached by York and had a few conversations about potentially stepping into the squad and I never looked back.
“I came down to training and I’ve loved it ever since. I’ve felt so welcome coming in.”
York Valkyrie director of rugby, Lindsay Anfield said: “Zoe is a significant signing for our club and will add a lot of value to us on and off the field.
“She has come in and hit the ground running. Her work ethic, experience and high standards have been evident in the past few weeks. She already looks very much at home running with our pack in training.
“Her love for the game is clear, we welcome her return to rugby league and we are all looking forward to seeing her perform in a Valk shirt this season.”
Hornby is available for Saturday’s Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup semi-final tie against St.Helens.
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