Rachel Dugdale


Rachel Dugdale is a Northern Irish former footballer who played as a defender for the Northern Ireland women's national team and various clubs in England and the USA.

Club career

Doncaster Rovers Belles

Newborough made her debut for Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2017 when she was still a teenager. During her time with them, she helped them win the FA WSL 2 championship before moving to the United States for university and playing for Boston College Eagles Women.

Charlton Athletic

In July 2019, Newborough joined FA Women's Championship club Charlton Athletic. Two years later, she signed a professional contract with the club. In 2022, she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury that kept her out of Northern Ireland's squad for the Women's European Championship that year.

Coventry United

In January 2023, Newborough joined Coventry United on a free transfer after she departed Charlton Athletic by mutual consent.

Reading

On 25 August 2023, Reading announced the signing of Dugdale, who'd previously been at the club at youth level. Due to Reading withdrawing from the Women's Championship in 2024, Dugdale opted to leave the club after making 22 appearances.

Blackburn Rovers

On 4 September 2024, Dugdale was announced to have signed a contract Blackburn Rovers after moving from Reading on a free transfer.

International career

Dugdale has been capped 43 times for the Northern Ireland national team, appearing for the team during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying cycle.

Retirement

Dugdale announced her retirement from professional football on 15 September 2025.

Personal life

Newborough studied philosophy, politics and economics at Boston College and has a masters degree in business. During her ACL injury, she founded her own marketing company. Newborough married her partner, Guy Dugdale, on 13 May 2023.