Yorkshire Gladiators star Fury makes 'most difficult decision of her life' in huge career update

Yorkshire Gladiators star Fury has said she has had to make the "most difficult decision of her life" as she shared a career update.

Jodie Ounsley, who grew up in Dewsbury, became a fan favourite following the reboot of the hit BBC show earlier this year. The 23-year-old professional rugby starlet grew up "obsessed" with the show. However, the Mirror reports she has now shared an important career update.

Jodie has revealed she is stepping away from rugby to allow her to pursue other opportunities. She said she has been able to secure an early release from her contract at Exeter. Jodie has previously played for England Sevens and the Chiefs and has had spells at Loughborough Lightning and Sale Sharks.

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She said: "Stepping away from the rugby field has been one of the most difficult decisions of my life. This sport has given me opportunities, friendships and memories that I could only have dreamt of, and I will forever be grateful to the wonderful community at Exeter for making this feel like home.

“Whilst I am excited for opportunities around the corner, this is certainly not goodbye and I will continue to be a fervent supporter of women’s rugby.

"With the Rugby World Cup on the horizon, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for our sport.” Jodie is also a jiu-jitsu champion but suffered a shoulder injury at the start of the current rugby season. She was sidelined for seven months before making her comeback for Exeter in the Allianz Cup last Saturday."

Jodie has previously opened up about living with a cochlear implant. She was the youngest person in the UK to have it fitted as a toddler after being born prematurely and becoming deaf due to medication. She describes being deaf as her "superpower."