Rio Hardy (footballer)

Rio Hardy (born 29 June 1996) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for Women's Super League 2 club Bristol City.

Rio Hardy

Hardy playing for Durham in 2022
Personal information
Date of birth	(1996-06-29) 29 June 1996 (age 29)
Place of birth	Whitehaven, Cumbria, England
Position(s)	Forward
Team information
Current team	Bristol City
College career
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2014–2017	South Alabama Jaguars	88	(43)
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2013–2014	Blackburn Rovers	9	(1)
2018	Grindavík	15	(10)
2019–2021	Apollon Ladies	40	(48)
2021	Coventry United	11	(5)
2022–2023	Durham Women	30	(8)
2023–2025	Rangers	53	(39)
2025-	Bristol City	0	(0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 14:13, 12 March 2025 (UTC)

Early life

Hardy grew up in Workington, England,^[1] and attended the Stainburn School in the town.^[2]

Youth career

As a youth player, Hardy joined the youth academy of Seaton Girls, helping the club win the County Cup.^[3] After that, she joined the youth academy of English side Blackburn Rovers, helping the club reach the FA Youth Cup final, where they lost to the youth academy of English side Arsenal.^[4]

College career

In 2014, Hardy joined the South Alabama Jaguars in the United States,^[5] where she was regarded as one of the team's most important players.^[6][7] She obtained a sports science degree.^[8] She previously attended college in Accrington, England.^[9]

Club career

In 2018, Hardy signed for Icelandic side Grindavík, where she was regarded as one of the club's most important players.^[10][11] She helped them win the league and qualify for the UEFA Women's Champions League.^[12] In 2019, she signed for Cypriot side Apollon Ladies, where she captained the club and was regarded as one of their most important players.^[13] In 2021, she signed for English side Coventry United, where she was regarded as one of the club's most important goalscorers, but left due to their liquidation.^[14] In 2022, she trained with English side Aston Villa.^[15]

In 2023, she signed for Scottish side Rangers.^[16]

On 31 July 2025, it was announced that Hardy had been signed for an undisclosed fee from Rangers, joining Bristol City on a two-year contract.^[17]

International career

Hardy played for England Colleges at international youth level.^[18]

Personal life

Hardy is the twin sister of English footballer Steffi Hardy.^[19] She is a supporter of English Premier League side Manchester United.^[20] Her family has been based in Workington, England.^[21]