RANGERS Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Laura Rafferty from Southampton on a two-year deal, upon the expiry of her contract with the English side.
The 28-year-old defender becomes the third signing of the summer for Jo Potter’s side after the additions of Liv McLoughlin and Scotland international Leah Eddie.
Rafferty arrives in Glasgow boasting significant international experience, making over 20 appearances for Northern Ireland while also sporting the captain’s armband on occasion.
The defender’s senior career began at Chelsea a decade ago, before she spent part of 2016 on loan at Oxford United.
Rafferty then enjoyed four years on the books of Brighton and Hove Albion, making the loan switch to Women’s Super League side, Bristol City, throughout the 2020/21 campaign.
She would return to where her youth career began at Southampton the following campaign, helping the Saints into the second tier of English football as a regular fixture in the side.
Upon joining the Gers, Rafferty commented: “I’m really excited. It’s a massive club and the values that it shares is something that I would put alongside what I do.
“I’ve been keeping my eye on Rangers for a while now; the way that they play and the winning mindset is very important for me.
"One of my ambitions is to win things and be part of a winning mentality, and I know that we have that here with Rangers.
“Speaking to people both inside and outside of the club, I’m just excited to get going.”
Women’s Head Coach, Jo Potter, continued: “I am super excited about signing Laura and she arrives with so much experience.
“I think you can see her CV and the calibre of player that she is and what she can bring to the squad, and from the very first conversation that we had I was impressed with her and how she handles herself.
“I think she is going to bring a lot to the squad, and I am excited to have her in and get going.”
Women’s Football Managing Director, Donald Gillies, added: “I am thrilled that we are able to bring a signing of Laura’s quality to the club.
“She has played at a very high level in the game and is a fully fledged international for her country where she has also captained the side.
“Laura will bring experience, leadership qualities and another fantastic dynamic to the team. We look forward to her helping the team achieve success in the coming seasons.”