Sale Sharks recruit 'most underrated' player in PWR

Sale Sharks boss Tom Hudson described new signing Freya Aucken as one of Premiership Women’s Rugby‘s “most underrated” players when the North West club announced her signing.

The 24-year-old has joined Sale from Harlequins, who the back three player and scrum-half has represented since the 2020/21 Premier 15s season. She has represented the West London club on 81 occasions and scored five tries in the 2025/26 season.

Hudson said: “Freya is arguably one of the most underrated players in the PWR.

“With her ability to be equally at home on the wing or at scrum half and with one PWR title already under her belt we are massively excited to be bringing her North and for her to join our Sharks family. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”

Aucken was an early starter in senior rugby after she made her debut for Richmond as a 17-year-old. That talent was recognised by age grade selectors and the 24-year-old has represented England at Under-18 and Under-20 levels.

In addition to her age grade exploits, Aucken represented Great Britain at the first stage of the HSBC SVNS World Championship event at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park in April.

Aucken said: “Sale Sharks seem to have a really good plan and a really exciting squad going forward and I can’t wait to be a part of it.

“The style of rugby Sale are playing really excites me but it’s not just about showing my ability on the field – I want to help the team and club grow and achieve its potential.

“For the last two seasons, but even more so in the past season, Sale has been a really tough place to go.

“The game last season was probably the muddiest game I’ve ever played in but all of our team loved the atmosphere in the stadium so I can’t wait to run out with those fans on my side.”