Following England’s triumph at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, the latest installment of Premiership Women’s Rugby commenced.
During the weekend, four contests unfolded as eight teams embarked on their league journey with zeal.
Numerous luminaries from the Women’s Rugby World Cup graced the field once more, having illuminated the grand stage between August and September.
Before Round 2 commences next Saturday, here are three focal points from the past weekend…
Gloucester Hartpury Initiate Four-Peat Pursuit with Commanding Victory
In recent seasons, Gloucester Hartpury have become accustomed to defending titles. However, as opening maneuvers go, the West Country club’s 40-14 triumph over Saracens was arguably among their finest.
The three-time champions barely exerted themselves in the rematch of last season’s final, crossing the try line six times to inaugurate Dan Murphy’s tenure as head coach in an optimal manner.
“It’s an exceptional way to commence the season,” Murphy remarked post-match. “We perceived this segment as a significant challenge, and we needed a swift start.
“Reuniting the group, given the extensive tour of the Circus, was paramount. They performed admirably, delivering a performance of that caliber.”
Next, the three-time champions face consecutive away games against Exeter Chiefs and Harlequins.
Elsewhere, Harlequins secured a 52-42 victory under the Friday night lights against Loughborough Lightning. Exeter emerged as 24-12 victors over Trailfinders Women in West London. Sale Sharks initiated their campaign with a 46-17 win over Leicester Tigers, marking a high note for Tom Hudson’s debut as head coach.
Red Roses Stars Draw Attention as Domestic Action Resumes
Everywhere one looked, Women’s Rugby World Cup victors were aligned with their club sides.
This encompassed returns for Ellie Kildunne, Lucy Packer (both Harlequins), Lilli Ives Campion, Sadia Kabeya (both Loughborough), Meg Jones, Abi Burton (both Trailfinders), Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter), Amy Cokayne, Holly Aitchison (both Sale), Maud Muir, Zoe Stratford (née Aldcroft), Alex Matthews, Natasha Hunt, Tatyana Heard, Jade Shekells, Emma Sing (all Gloucester Hartpury), Kelsey Clifford, Rosie Galligan, Marlie Packer, Zoe Harrison, Jess Breach and May Campbell (all Saracens) all appeared on the field.
Beyond being a major draw for fans ignited by World Cup success, they contributed their talent to an engaging opening round. England’s captain, Stratford, was recognized as Player of the Match in Gloucester Hartpury’s victory, a game where Muir and Sing also delivered stellar performances.
During the weekend, Kabeya, Moloney-MacDonald, Cokayne, Muir, Shekells, Campbell, and Heard all tallied five-pointers in a high-scoring weekend of competition.
More world champions are scheduled to return to the field in the coming week, sustaining a high standard of play as the season progresses.
Sharks Sell-Out Emphasizes Robust Attendances
Significant attendance figures marked the start of the new league season, fueled by England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup win. A highlight was in the North West, where Sale Sharks’ Morson Stadium sold out for their contest against Leicester Tigers.
That enthusiastic crowd in Cheshire was rewarded with a top-tier performance from their team. This included a try for Red Roses hooker Cokayne, Scotland’s Rhona Lloyd, and USA Women’s Eagles Erica Jarrell-Searcy.
However, the positive aspect extended beyond the attendance at Sharks’ victory. A palpable excitement resonated across the country as Harlequins, Gloucester Hartpury, and Trailfinders Women witnessed their home grounds surrounded by supporters.
This aligns with the boost PWR would have desired a month after England secured their third world championship. May the full stands and substantial crowds persist.
