Italy's Vecchini joins 'ambitious' PWR club ahead of 2026/27

Italy hooker Vittoria Vecchini is the latest arrival at Gloucester Hartpury ahead of the 2026/27 JAECOO Premiership Women’s Rugby campaign.

The 24-year-old has earned 46 caps for her country, scored 13 tries and competed at two Women’s Rugby World Cups. She is the newest signing by the Kingsholm Stadium club, who have also confirmed the additions of France centre Gabrielle Vernier and USA Women’s Eagles lock Emerson Allen.

Vecchini joins from Italian club Valsugana Rugby Padova, who she helped win a sixth league title earlier this year. It was the third national title that the front-row had won with the club.

“From my first conversations with the club, I could see how ambitious everyone is and how much they want to keep competing for trophies,” Vecchini said.

“That really appealed to me, and I knew it was an environment where I could challenge myself and continue to develop. Premiership Women’s Rugby is one of the most competitive leagues in the world, with incredible players and a really high standard. It’s a league I’ve wanted to experience, and I’m excited to test myself in that environment.

“I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates, playing in front of the Gloucester Hartpury supporters and giving everything I have for the club. I can’t wait to get started and help the team achieve its goals this season.”

Much like the recruitment of Vernier and Allen, Vecchini’s addition to Gloucester Hartpury’s squad after the departures of Zoe Stratford, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Tatyana Heard, Bethan Lewis, Kelsey Jones and Sarah Beckett this summer. Ellena Perry, Bianca Blackburn and Rachel Lund have all retired.

Last season the Circus topped the PWR table, but left the play-offs at the semi-final stage with defeat to Trailfinders Women.

Dan Murphy, Gloucester Hartpury head of rugby, said: “Vittoria is a powerful, uncompromising hooker who thrives in the physical side of the game. She’s outstanding around the set piece, carries with real intent and brings the sort of competitive edge that will suit the way we want to play.

“We’ve been really deliberate with our recruitment this year. Bringing in players like Vittoria, Gabrielle Vernier and Emerson Allen gives us proven international quality in key areas of the squad, but just as importantly, they’re players who will drive standards every day and add to the environment we’ve worked so hard to build.

“The competition in the PWR gets stronger every season, so it’s important that we continue to evolve. These additions complement the talented group we’ve already got here, and we’re excited about what this squad can achieve together as we head into the new campaign.”