Rachel Rowe signs for Nottingham Forest from rivals Southampton | OneFootball

Rachel Rowe in Wales action. Photo: Jayde Chamberlain/SPP.

Wales international Rachel Rowe has signed for WSL2 side Nottingham Forest, joining on a two-year deal from Southampton.

“I’m really happy and excited to be joining Nottingham Forest,” the 32-year-old midfielder said in a club statement.

“It’s clearly an elite and ambitious club. The continued success is admirable and shows a huge commitment to invest in the growth of women’s game.

“I believe I can bring a wealth of experience to the team, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Nottingham Forest’s head coach Carly Davies added: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Rachel to the club.

“Rachel joins us with a wealth of experience, leadership, and technical quality at both domestic and international level. Her qualities fit seamlessly with our vision for this team and the direction we are heading.

“Her versatility and know-how at the top level will be invaluable, both on and off the pitch. She enriches our squad with her winning mentality and strong work ethic.

“I’m confident she’ll make an immediate and lasting impact for Forest Women as we continue to create history and build a legacy for women’s football in Nottingham.”

New era for Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest were promoted to WSL2 last season, winning the National League title. They will begin their inaugural campaign in the second tier when they host Newcastle United on Sunday, 7th September, kick-off 2pm.

This season will also mark the start of a fully professional era for their women’s squad, moving on from their previous hybrid model.

Forest have already added Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah to the squad this summer.

Rachel Rowe’s playing career so far

Rachel Rowe featured in the Wales squad this summer as they made their major tournament debut at Euro 2025. She made her senior international debut in 2015, and has since clocked up more than 75 full caps, scoring eight goals.

Domestically, she began her career in the Welsh Premier Women’s League with Cardiff City and Swansea City, but is probably best known for nearly a decade at Reading, the team she helped to Women’s Super League promotion in 2015-16. She clocked up more than a century of appearances for them before her departure after they were relegated in 2023.

She has also featured in the Scottish Women’s Premier League for Rangers, with whom she won the Scottish Women’s League Cup in 2023-24. Her performances during that campaign also secured her the PFA Scotland SWPL1 player of the year award.

She joined Southampton as their first signing of the close season last summer.