Saracens land title-winning back after exit from London rivals

JAECOO Premiership Women’s Rugby champions Saracens have signed Beth Wilcock after her departure from Harlequins.

Before crossing the London divide, the versatile back spent seven seasons at the Twickenham Stoop and won the Premier 15s with the club in 2021.

Last season the 25-year-old scored four tries in 14 league appearances for Harlequins as Ross Chisholm’s side missed out on play-off rugby by four points. Wilcock is one of 26 players to have departed the West Londoners this summer.

Alex Austerberry, Saracens Director of Rugby, said: “Beth is a player I have long admired after working with her as a junior as she progressed through the women’s pathway. She is a very physical, powerful and aggressive option on the edge and certainly knows where the try line is.

“I very much feel there is still room for growth in her game and that our environment will really bring out the best in her and take her game to the next level. I am excited to work with Beth again, see her flourish and see what she can add to the Saracens programme.”

Across her senior career, Wilcock has developed a reputation as one of the top-performing domestic players in PWR.

As a teenager the back was drafted in to represent England Sevens in HSBC SVNS Series competition and is capped at England Under-20 level.

In 2021 she was included in the Red Roses’ squad for the Women’s Six Nations as a development player.

Wilcock said: “I’ve always loved the way Saracens have played, so I am super excited to play under Alex and the coaching team and be part of a squad full of world class-talent.

“I’m ready for a new chapter where I can challenge myself, learn from some of the best and showcase the player I am.”

Wilcock is the first senior arrival at StoneX Stadium this summer. To date Saracens had only confirmed the promotion of Oaklands College graduates Alix Ahad, Leila Crick, Lavinia Natui and Ruby Ross to their Senior Academy.