Northern Ireland Women's Football Team

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Northern Ireland defender Rachel Dugdale has announced her retirement as a player at the age of 28.

The last of Dugdale's 43 caps came in a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Nations League in June.

She made her Northern Ireland debut in March 2016 against Slovakia in the Istria Cup but missed the 2022 European Championship after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

At club level, Dugdale had spells with Doncaster Rovers Belles, US university side Eagles Women, Charlton Athletic, Coventry United Ladies and Reading Women.

Her most recent club was Blackburn Rovers Women, who withdrew from the Championship in May and now play in the fourth tier of English football.

"To the mighty GAWA, I announce my retirement from international and professional football. It is with a heavy heart but immense pride that I share this news," she said in a statement.

"Representing Northern Ireland since I was 15 has been the greatest honour of my career. Being part of the journey to our first ever major tournament was a dream come true, and I will cherish that memory forever.

"Thank you for your amazing support over the years. While it's scary to step away from the game I love, I am excited for the new chapter ahead. This team and these fans will always hold a special place in my heart."

Dugdale was a regular in Northern Ireland squads under boss Tanya Oxtoby, who has paid tribute to the defender's "leadership" qualities.

"Rachel has been such an important part of the transition period over the last 18 months. Her leadership and ability to set the right standards every single day has enhanced our culture immensely and that will be hard to replace," the Australian said.

"I can't wait to see her embrace and succeed on her next journey, and we will all miss her around the group massively."

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Northern Ireland's Uefa Women's Nations League promotion/relegation play-off first leg with Iceland will take place at the Ballymena Showgrounds on Friday, 24 October (kick-off TBC).

Tanya Oxtoby's team will then travel to Laugardalsvöllur Stadium in Reykjavík for the second leg on Tuesday, with the winner securing a place in League A for the European Qualifiers for the 2027 Women's World Cup.

Northern Ireland finished second in League B's Group One behind Poland to secure a playoff, with their only defeats in the group coming against the table-toppers who won automatic promotion.

Iceland, who featured in the 2025 Women's European Championships, finished second bottom of Group A2 with four draws from six games. Their only defeats came to group winners France as they finished above the bottom placed Switzerland who were automatically relegated.

The teams have not met since the 2020 Pinatar Cup in Spain when Iceland won 1-0 to maintain their perfect record against Northern Ireland.

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI Journalist

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With injuries limiting her minutes and Tanya Oxtoby's youthful approach, Rachel Furness' retirement announcement is not entirely unexpected, but it does signal the latest changing of the guard for Northern Ireland.

However, just like when Marissa Callaghan announced her retirement, it is sad to see another of Northern Ireland's history-making Euro 2022 squad call time.

As a player, Furness will be remembered as a fearless competitor who made history by becoming the record goalscorer for her country.

One of the most important strikes was in the historic Euro 2022 play-off first leg in Ukraine, when she netted the opening goal before she tried to play on after sustaining a broken leg. That sums up her dedication.

Away from her goals, one of the standout memories of Furness is her dancing around with her crutches in the air after the play-off win over Ukraine.

Furness also had a huge impact off the pitch, and her openness about her mental health struggles were inspiring as she encouraged other players to be open about their feelings and to stand up for their beliefs.

Her story is one of resilience and perseverance, and her all-round presence, not just her footballing ability, means she will be regarded as one of the most impactful players in Northern Ireland's storied history.

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Northern Ireland midfielder Joely Andrews said that her side "have to bounce back" against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday after their disappointing Women's Nations League defeat against Poland.

At Seaview on Friday night Tanya Oxtoby's side suffered a 4-0 loss against Poland, who secured automatic promotion to League A with the win in north Belfast.

NI are second in the group and will secure that spot and a place in the promotion play-offs if they avoid defeat in Zenica on Tuesday, which Andrews says has to be their aim.

"If we finish a place higher in this group [NI finished third in their previous Nations League campaign] it will be progress," she said.

"We are looking for a good performance and ultimately to get three points on Tuesday.

"Us and Bosnia know each other inside out, we've played each other a few times so it will be tough, but we need to be hard to break down but good on the ball and create chances."

The Hearts midfielder added that while Friday night's defeat at Seaview "hurt", their spirited end to the game when they almost scored a consolation goal will give them confidence as they move onto Tuesday's crucial game.

"We weren't good enough in the first half and there were bits of the game plan we didn't execute but as players we take responsibility for that," she continued.

"The positive thing is in the second half we got a bit more control and we could create some more chances."