The strike duo have enjoyed a prolific season in front of goal, scoring 60 goals between them having formed an impressive partnership throughout the campaign.
Howat, who made the switch from Glasgow City back in January 2021 in a pre-contract agreement, has put pen to paper to extend her stay with the Gers into a fourth season.
Enjoying an impressive campaign throughout the forward made history by becoming the first ever player to claim back-to-back SWPL player of the month awards, picking up both the September and October accolades respectively.
She was also part of the side that claimed the club’s first-ever SWPL league title back in 2022, whilst also helping the team to two Sky Sports Cup success during her time so far and she looks to help guide the Light Blues to further success moving forward into the new campaign.
Hardy joined the Light Blues last summer as she became the second signing of the Jo Potter era, after spells in England on numerous occasions, America, Iceland and Cyprus.
An impressive first season in Scottish football was to follow as she won the club’s top goalscorer award whilst also claiming a league player of the month award of her own along the way as she looks to continue being a regular source of goals in the seasons to come.
The forward also has experience playing UEFA Champions League football during her time in Eastern Europe as the Gers prepare for football on a European front next campaign.
Speaking after signing the extension, Howat commented: “I have supported the club all my life and I have some great memories already and I wanted to add to that.
“This is the best team I have been involved in and the coaching staff are amazing, so I am excited to be staying.
“The minute the club spoke to me, it was an easy ‘yes’ - I love the club, I love the environment we work in and it allows us to excel.
“We have Champions League football to look forward to and that’s something else to look forward to.”
Hardy when speaking after agreeing a new deal, added: “I’m delighted to commit my future to Rangers and it was an easy decision for me.
“The club is going in a good direction and I am excited to be a part of it.
“We have qualified for the Champions League and that’s a tournament I strived to play in again and I hope to go further this time.
“Personally, it was a good season, my teammates and the coaching staff have helped me so much. I am really enjoying my football and you can tell that by the way I am playing.”
Women’s head coach, Jo Potter, said: “I am determined to continue to bring success to this football club and I feel Kirsty and Rio will play a big part in that going forward.
“They have formed a superb partnership for us this season and we believe it will only grow stronger the more they play together.
“We are thrilled they have decided to remain with the club and we hope they bring us further success next season.”
Women’s and Girls’ Managing Director, Donald Gillies, added: “Kirsty and Rio have formed a formidable partnership for the club and were vital to our success.
“We were eager to secure their future with Rangers to help lead us to more trophies and success.
“Kirsty was superb and picked up a Scotland call-up, but her injury forced her to miss a chunk of the season but contributed well on her return.
“While Rio was our top scorer and impressed in her debut season in the SWPL - so we are thrilled to keep them at the club.”