Head of Women’s Rugby Vicky Macqueen has today named the Leicester Tigers squad for their debut season in the top-flight, Premiership Women’s Rugby.
These include a mixture of last season’s Championship North 1 winning squad, some experienced and youthful signings and a ‘sprinkle of stardust’ in established elite internationals such as Amy Cokayne and Meg Jones.
With over 30 of the players in the squad aged 25 or under, this a delicate blend of seasoned Premiership performers and talented younger players looking to take the next step in their careers.
With over fifty players split across the various categories, it's also worth noting the flexibility in the squad with players in each section capable of playing across multiple positions should the need inevitably arise with such a long season ahead.
Next week, Monday, July 3, will see the squad convene together for the first time as pre-season begins. Over the next several months, the squad will be go through three training blocks, beginning with fitness and strength tests and smaller, individual focus, before progressing all the way through to eventually lead to full contact, fifteen a side games.
The larger nature of the squad is to ensure not only that the team is covered during what will be a long, more attritional and more intense season but also to further develop the club's pathway. All players will have a chance over the summer to stake their claim at a starting place, whilst those not starting in Premiership Women's Rugby will still be given regular on-field time to boost development as part of our feeder club system that includes Lichfield and others yet to be announced.
With the vast majority of the club's International players away till November representing their country, the Premiership Rugby Cup, starting on September 23, will prove a great stage for players to make the starting jersey their own.
Throughout the season, International commitments across both the fifteen a side and the seven’s game will mean the whole squad is essential for Leicester Tigers success throughout their debut season at the elite level of women's rugby.
The 2023/24 Premiership Women’s Rugby calender is still to be finalised, with the competition to commence following the climax of the men’s 2023 Rugby World Cup in Paris on November 18.
The Squad
Props: Leah Bartlett, Caitlin Clark, Georgie Grimes, Jade Jones, Churchy Knight (FKA Rebecca Church), Keia Mae Sagapolu, Ofure Ugiagbe
Hookers: Alana Bainbridge, Amy Cokayne, Elis Martin, Samantha Williams
Second Row: Eva Donaldson, Ella-Mae Fereday, Charlotte Fray, Ali Gale, Catha Jacobs, Maddie Massey, Georgia Westwood
Back Row: Tanya Bird, Tahlia Brody, Roisin McBrien, Sydney Mead, Leilah Mills, Becky Noon, Amy Orrow, Morgan Richardson, Kat Turner, Zoe Warrington
Scrum-Halves: Lucy Nye, Amy Relf
Fly-Halves: Meg Jones, Ellie Turner, Holly Williams
Centres: Katie Childs, Abi Gordon, Natasha Jones, Francesca McGhie, Linzi Taylor, Evie Wills
Back-Three: Tami Agboola, Lottie Bozon, Louisa Burgham, Bryany Chalk, Charlotte Daley, Molly Draycott, Zoë Evans, Tess Feury, Lucrezia Iavarone, Celia Quansah, Harriet Roberts, Amanda Swartz, Amelia Tutt
With a first-ever season in the world's elite women's rugby competition on the horizon, there's never been a better time to secure your Season Ticket for 2023/24.
There’s nothing better than experiencing matchdays LIVE at Mattioli Woods Welford Road and with all money from Season Tickets going directly to the women's programme at Leicester Tigers, buy or renew your women's season ticket via the links below.
At £36 (Adults) and £12 (Under-18s) for those renewing or purchasing together with a Men’s Season Ticket, you can enjoy every regular season Premiership Women's Rugby game at Mattioli Woods Welford Road for incredible value.
For all other supporters, Season Tickets are priced at just £50 (Adults) and £20 (Under-18s).
