'The only constant is change': Saracens confirm departure of Canada international after one-year stay

Saracens have confirmed that league title-winning lock Laetitia Royer has departed the club after one season in North London.

Royer, 35, joined Saracens shortly after she helped Canada to a runners-up finish at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Ahead of the 2026/27 season, Royer has joined Trailfinders Women, who she helped Saracens beat in the JAECOO Premiership Women’s Rugby final last season.

Alex Austerberry, Director of Rugby, said: “Laets was a fantastic addition to the club and made a real impact both on and off the field last season. Energetic, vibrant and hardworking, her performances were always full of effort and consistently delivered to a high standard.

“In truth, the only thing that surpassed her contribution on the field was the impact she had off it. Laets will be remembered fondly by players and staff alike for her humour, positivity and the enjoyment she brought to the environment.

“We thank her for everything she has given to the club and wish her every success for the future.”

Royer has won 27 caps for Canada and was named in the 2024 World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year. That year the North Americans had beaten the Black Ferns for the first time and won the Pacific Four Series.

She joined Saracens after five seasons in France. Royer spent two seasons with Lons Section Paloise and several seasons with ASM Romagnat.

Last week she played 61 minutes of Canada’s dramatic WXV Global Series 26-26 draw with England’s Red Roses at Exeter’s Sandy Park.

Royer said: “This season taught me more than I ever expected. I leave Saracens knowing I gave honest effort, treated people well and left the environment better than I found it. That was always the standard I set for myself, and I’m proud I met it through a World Cup, through a title, and through the harder, quieter parts of the year that no one sees.

“To the group, the ones who built the best attack and defence in this league, and the ones who made a house full of people from home feel like home, thank you. You know who you are, and you know what you gave me.

“I’m moving forward because I have to keep choosing environments that allow me to be my fullest self, both on and off the pitch. Not every part of this year’s journey reflected the values I hold myself to, and I’ll leave it there, stated once, plainly, without turning it into more than that. The only constant is change.”