'This is a new chapter': Marlie Packer's club future has been confirmed

Two-time Women’s Rugby World Cup winner Marlie Packer’s club future has been confirmed.

Earlier this week it was announced by Saracens that the 36-year-old was ending her nine year stay at StoneX Stadium.

Immediately any uncertainty about where the England flanker will play her club rugby at London rivals Harlequins.

The 2023 World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year has won 10 Guinness Women’s Six Nations titles and a pair of WXV1 crowns. At the start of 2026 she received an OBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours List.

To date Packer has won 119 caps for the Red Roses and has scored 59 tries across a 19-year Test career.

She joins a Harlequins team that missed out on Premiership Women’s Rugby top four this season.

“This is a new chapter and one that I am really excited for – the squad is really exciting!” Packer said. “There are some young, talented players here and the backrow is also exceptional, with the likes of Aoife Wafer.

“Being able to play alongside those players is something I am really looking forward to. This can be a very competitive team, and my aim is to help Harlequins get back into the top four.”

In Packer, Harlequins have added immense international experience to their squad just a week after it was confirmed that Ellie Kildunne will be leaving the Twickenham Stoop.

“Marlie is one of the most decorated players in the game and has been one of the very best in the world for many years,” Ross Chisholm, Harlequins head coach, said.

“We’ve seen throughout her career how much leadership and hunger she brings to any side that she plays for. I thought Marlie was outstanding during the Six Nations and has been hugely impressive this season in the PWR as well.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that she is joining Harlequins and I have no doubt that the whole squad, including our highly rated young players will learn a huge amount from a player of Marlie’s calibre. I know that she is going to add a tremendous amount to our squad both on and off the pitch and I am looking forward to working with her.”