Quote from Alex bobby on March 17, 2025, 10:22 AM

Gloucester-Hartpury Clinch Third Consecutive Premiership Women's Rugby Title with Stunning Comeback

Gloucester-Hartpury delivered a commanding second-half performance to defeat Saracens at the StoneX Stadium, securing their third successive Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) title. Despite trailing early in the match, the champions staged an impressive fightback, scoring 29 unanswered points to claim a decisive victory.

A Thrilling First Half Sets the Stage

Saracens, playing on home turf, came out strong, racing to a 19-5 lead with tries from Jess Breach and Lotte Sharp, along with a penalty try. Gloucester-Hartpury initially struggled to find their rhythm, but crucial tries from Kate Williams, Emma Sing, and Mia Venner brought them back into contention. By halftime, the defending champions had closed the gap to just four points, setting the stage for a dramatic second-half turnaround.

Dominant Second-Half Display

Gloucester-Hartpury’s dominance began to shine after the break as their powerful forward pack took control. Maud Muir, Neve Jones, and co-captain Natasha ‘Mo’ Hunt each crossed the try line, cementing their team’s grip on the game. Saracens struggled to regain momentum, especially after Gloucester-Hartpury shut them out defensively despite losing Alex Matthews to a yellow card. Hunt’s try in the final 10 minutes put the result beyond doubt, securing a comprehensive 34-19 victory.

Sean Lynn’s Perfect Send-Off

Head coach Sean Lynn, who is set to depart Gloucester-Hartpury to take up a role with the Wales national team, was full of praise for his side’s resilience. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he acknowledged the team’s slow start but credited their response:

"We just weren't us in the first half, we just didn't perform. But full credit to Saracens, they came out strong. I’ve heard that the girls said I put a rocket into them at halftime. That’s why I’m so proud of them; they react so well."

Reflecting on his tenure, Lynn described winning a third straight title as a “dream come true” and expressed gratitude for the support he has received. He also confirmed his immediate transition to his new role, saying:

“I’m in camp tomorrow at 9 am. I’ll be in my car at half past seven, and then it’s the Six Nations on Saturday against Scotland.”

Saracens Left to Reflect

Saracens’ director of rugby, Alex Austerberry, acknowledged Gloucester-Hartpury’s superiority in the second half but defended his team’s right to be in the final:

“Credit to Gloucester, they took the game away from us, and we just couldn't quite find a foothold. But I thought some of the rugby we played in the first half was outstanding.”

Despite their early dominance, Saracens could not sustain their performance and were ultimately outclassed by the champions' physicality and game management.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Gloucester-Hartpury have firmly established themselves as the dominant force in Premiership Women’s Rugby. Their ability to adapt, fight back, and execute under pressure will make them formidable contenders for future titles. Meanwhile, Saracens will be eager to regroup and challenge again next season, learning from the lessons of this final.

This latest triumph not only cements Gloucester-Hartpury’s legacy but also highlights the growing intensity and competitiveness of the women’s game. As the PWR continues to evolve, fans can expect more thrilling encounters and fierce rivalries in the seasons to come.

A Legacy of Excellence and a Bright Future

Gloucester-Hartpury’s third consecutive Premiership Women’s Rugby title is a testament to their growth, resilience, and dominance in the league. Their ability to adapt under pressure and deliver a near-flawless second-half performance against a strong Saracens side underscores their championship mentality.

As Sean Lynn moves on to his new role with Wales, his legacy at Gloucester-Hartpury remains intact—having built a team that not only wins but does so with confidence and flair. Looking ahead, the challenge for Gloucester-Hartpury will be to maintain this high standard, while their rivals, including Saracens, will be determined to close the gap.

With the league becoming more competitive every year, this latest final was a reminder of just how thrilling women’s rugby has become. As Gloucester-Hartpury celebrate another historic triumph, the stage is already set for another fierce battle for supremacy in the next season.