Quins' Delgado and Peña Hidalgo set their intentions for new PWR season

Laura Delgado and Claudia Peña Hidalgo are back at their warm, cosy Harlequins cottages, just one month and one week after the conclusion of Spain’s Rugby World Cup campaign.

Harlequins‘ two Leonas, who both signed contract extensions with the club this year, rested for a few weeks before returning to England to get ready for a new Premiership Women’s Rugby campaign.

With renewed spirits and motivation, Delgado and Peña Hidalgo are eager for the PWR to start, mainly because of the team’s season goal: to reach the PWR final, with the club not having played in the showpiece event since 2021.

After a semi final loss at the hands of Saracens last season, Peña Hidalgo has complete confidence that the team can go the full distance, taking confidence from the fact that the side recorded one of the best winning runs of last season’s PWR, winning ten games straight.

“I fully believe our team can reach the final this year. Ross [Chisholm] has shared his vision, and we are fully behind him. However, it doesn’t mean it won’t be a hard task or that we won’t be facing a high-pressure season, because we will. But we have the means to qualify for the PWR final, and we are going to do everything we can to achieve it,” said the utility back who turns 21 this Sunday.

Delgado, one of the most experienced operators of the Harlequins ensemble, shares her countrywoman’s opinion.

“Like Claudia said, our intentions are clear: we want (to be in) the final. While our main goal was to qualify for last season’s semi finals, we now desire to take a step further, and I am certain we can do it. The team has matured and evolved to become even stronger and more unified. That’s what allows a team to take the final leap.

“I believe we will surprise fans this year. We are not the same Harlequins of last season… and that’s my final say before the PWR season kicks off,” said the 35-year-old prop.

Peña Hidalgo, who scored ten tries in her debut PWR season, has a primary concern that isn’t to collect individual accolades and records, as she wants only to help the team progress in what is, for her, a whole new chapter.

“The team and staff are mostly the same, but there were some changes, and we have to readjust to them. With that said, I want to keep working and helping my team progress. I want to be able to push for the team to finish at the top.”

Concerning the changes in the club, the two explained how the arrivals of Ali Chisholm (younger brother of head coach Ross) and Damian Welch have impacted the team’s game plan, with Peña Hildalgo providing a glimpse of what is happening behind the scenes.

“Ali’s insight has been good for us, as he has been helping us develop and work on our skills to the tiniest detail. It will serve us well, as we can link better with each other and find more options when we clash against a strong opposition that doesn’t allow us to do whatever we want,” shared Peña Hidalgo.

Regarding the forward pack machine, Delgado details its progress since the appointment of Welch as the new forward coach.

“While our set-piece did work and made an impact (last season), it could’ve been more threatening. However, with the arrival of Damian, we have improved our lineout and maul, adding new details and ideas to our set-piece, which will give an extra push in the most competitive clashes.”

The 2025/2026 PWR season follows after a successful Women’s Rugby World Cup that broke records, setting renewed expectation for the league, with 130 players from the World Cup playing in this season’s PWR.

With the increase in exposure, fans following the game and social media engagement, Delgado acknowledges the position they are in today.

“I am in a moment in my career that I’m fully aware of who I am, and the impact I have on others and that I can help inspire new generations. That’s a beautiful thing, and a massive responsibility. I want to show every little girl that you can become a PWR player. We are here to set a standard and to be role models, and for me, that’s what it’s all about.”

While Peña Hidalgo is still coming to terms with being seen as a role model, she is fully aware of how the 2025 World Cup has forever transformed women’s rugby, leading it to a new era.

“The World Cup definitely changed the women’s game. People have realised how big it is and how open and intense the women’s game is. The support we got against the Black Ferns moved me, and I’ve witnessed packed stands for the PWR Cup. It makes a difference for us, and it certainly will inspire little girls to follow in our footsteps.”

With final preparations for the PWR season opener at the Stoop taking place on Friday night against Loughborough Lightning underway, Delgado and Peña Hidalgo are up and running to help their team in whatever way they can.

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For the two, they aren’t in any doubt about Harlequins’ potential, and they believe they will deliver something great for the Stoop crowd.

But, before both turn off their mics and leave for another Harlequins Cottages gathering, Delgado shares a piece of news with the rugby fandom.

“This might not be my final season. While I did say that it was going to be my last year as a professional player, I’m having some doubts about it right now.

“I’m in love with Harlequins and everything that has to do with the club. The squad is just great, and they make me feel appreciated and joyous. Let’s see what happens ten months from now.”