'I always thought I'd be back': Rosie Galligan's new club revealed

Rosie Galligan will return to the Twickenham Stoop ahead of the 2026/27 season for a second spell with Harlequins.

The 28-year-old enjoyed a stay with the West London club between 2021 and 2023, during which time she made 30 appearances, but has spent the past three seasons with fellow Premiership Women’s Rugby outfit Saracens, with whom she won two PWR titles with in a previous stay at StoneX Stadium.

She will return to the club as a Women’s Rugby World Cup winner, having played in all six matches of England’s Red Roses‘ triumph last September, and has won 33 caps for her country since her debut six years ago.

Galligan said: “I’d always thought that I’d be back at some point, and it just feels right. I absolutely love what Ross is about. I think he brings great charisma and culture to the team and is a phenomenal coach.”

Galligan follows her fiancée, Marlie Packer, to the Stoop. Last week it was confirmed that the 116-cap flanker was leaving Saracens after a nine year stay at StoneX Stadium.

In October the 28-year-old will welcome her first child. She confirmed her pregnancy in October, while fellow England internationals Zoe Stratford, Lark Atkin-Davies and Abbie Ward are also expecting.

Ross Chisholm, Harlequins head coach, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome Rosie back to The Stoop. Since she last wore a Harlequins jersey, she has taken her game to another level and become not just a World Cup winner, but a truly world-class second row.

“We’re also delighted to be a part of her journey as she prepares to become a mum for the first time and know that she is going to bring a huge amount of value and rugby IQ to our programme.

“Off the field, she is a player that will drive standards within the environment and on the field, she is a player that I know will give everything she has for the shirt. I’m really excited to see Rosie back wearing the quarters.”