Leading Saracens to the PWR Cup final has been an unexpected and gratifying time for Louise McMillan.
The athlete, aged 28, has been in charge of a group consisting of seasoned players and up-and-coming individuals, leading them to a decisive match against London adversaries Harlequins at StoneX Stadium this Saturday afternoon.
In May, the Scottish athlete with 58 international caps observed her international journey come to an end when she wasn’t chosen for the national training group for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
During the last five months after that major letdown, McMillan has been able to rely on her club as a reliable source of support from the moment she was informed her involvement in Test rugby was over. It is one reason why being the team’s captain in the opening event to the 2025/26 Premiership Women’s Rugby season has been particularly significant to her.
“I actually received the news while on the way to Sarries training,” McMillan told RugbyPass. “I thought to myself, ‘I’ll process this personally, not tell anyone, finish this training and then handle it later’.
“However, upon entering the gym, someone inquired about my well-being, and I burst into tears almost immediately. It was likely one of the hardest experiences.
“During that gym session, everyone made an effort to approach, hug, and talk to me. Consequently, I likely didn’t lift much that day.
“Saracens may have a reputation for being tough, but I experienced a true sense of family. Even those I wasn’t particularly close to took the time to come over, offer support, and encourage me – the girls were amazing.
“Our forwards coach, Mo (Botha), has invested a great deal in me because at the time of my release, Sarries were still actively competing. We had many matches ahead.
“He put in significant effort to uplift me and instill confidence. That was precisely what I needed.”
By the end of the season, McMillan was awarded the Players’ Player of the Season for her contributions.
It represented more than just admiration from her teammates for their lock forward from Glasgow; it was also a commitment of unwavering support.
Over the past few months, the 28-year-old has progressed in her life. Currently, she works full-time as an operations analyst in the City, spending her days “working from home” at StoneX Stadium before participating in training.
This revamped daily routine has greatly aided the recuperation process over the past five months.
“I’ve really avoided discussing it too much publicly, because I like to believe that I can leave knowing that nobody doubted my dedication to my country,” McMillan stated.
“I hope my lasting image while playing for Scotland reflects that. I have hesitated to speak or comment, not wanting to be seen as a bitter individual who can’t accept being dropped.
“Much has changed in my life. I’ve returned to a professional career, and rugby has essentially become a hobby again.
“Life has changed so significantly that I’m no longer in that heartbroken state. Looking back is still difficult, but I’m almost at peace with the rugby aspect.”
Another step forward has been assuming the PWR Cup captaincy. Leading North London’s original club has provided McMillan with another avenue for expression.
The athlete, aged 28, has guided a team that includes not only seasoned Red Roses players such as Poppy and Bryony Cleall, Liz Crake, Ella Wyrwas, Sydney Gregson, and Sarah McKenna, but also promising age-grade internationals like Joia Bennett, Amelia MacDougall, and Tori Sellors.
The past seven weeks have been fulfilling for McMillan, who has represented the club that offered her significant support during a period of distress.
“When Alex (Austerberry, Saracens Women’s Director of Rugby) first inquired if I was interested in being captain, I felt deeply honoured, something I genuinely never expected,” McMillan said.
“At Sarries, you’re surrounded by some of the best players globally, and having the opportunity to lead some of them is remarkable.
“It’s a great honour. Sarries is a globally recognized brand, and having your name associated with it is really special. It means a lot, especially to my family.
“They’re a very proud rugby family – everyone discusses the challenges of being dropped from your national team, but people don’t consider the impact on the family. It almost becomes part of their identity.
“Having this opportunity to participate in another tournament means so much, and they’re incredibly proud. Receiving that kind of support from your club, who essentially say, ‘we think you’re very capable and want you to lead the girls’, is extremely helpful.”
Winning the PWR Cup will be the ideal start to a season where Saracens aim to reclaim the English league title.
It has been three years since the team were PWR champions. While this might seem like a minor setback to some, it represents a long period for a club that began the Premier 15s era as consecutive champions.
After finishing as league runners-up last season, McMillan sees her team’s early-season form as crucial to their hopes of winning any silverware.
Still missing their record 15 players who competed in the Women’s Rugby World Cup final at the end of September, it is a chance to prove that the broader squad can secure trophies without their star internationals.
This will further increase competition for positions when players like Sophie de Goede, Zoe Harrison, Jess Breach, and Marlie Packer return to full action.
“Poppy (Cleall) mentioned it the other day during training – we want to demonstrate our ability to win in critical moments,” McMillan said.
“It’s not enough for our club to simply reach finals. We need to win in these crucial moments. It’s essential that not just a select few know how to do that, but everyone who attends training on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
“We are really focused on improving the ability of our entire squad to have that killer mentality, which is what makes Sarries special as a club.”
