20 September 2019

Rugby preview: Everything you need to know about the Tyrrells Premier 15s, latest team news, signings, fixtures

The Tyrrells Premier 15s kicks off this weekend and Saracens are looking to defend their title.

The reigning champions are away at Bristol Bears. Sarries have signed some exciting players over the summer including Irish 7s player Jade Wong, and Scottish international Lisa Martin.

The club also made headlines, along with Worcester Warriors, when they announced that they would be paying players for the first time.

Bristol Bears have signed Welsh international quartet Keira Bevan, Siwan Lillicrap, Manon Johnes and Lauran Smyth. The side will be hoping the talented signings will help them topple Saracens this Saturday.

Wasps are hosting Worcester Warriors in the opening weekend. The Wasps women have experienced an intense pre-season. They flew to France to play Montpellier, something captain Kate Alder says was perfect for the team.

Alder said at the tournament launch: "To get to play against the French champions as a pre-season fixture, going into what's looking like the most competitive league we've had, it's been the perfect set up for us."

Emerging club Loughborough Lightning are playing at home against Darlington Mowden Park Sharks. The Sharks will be fierce competition for Lightning as it was announced this week that seven Sharks players will feature in Scotland's tour to South Africa.

Gloucester-Hartpury are starting their season with an away fixture against Firwood Waterloo. 

Gloucester-Hartpury coach Susie Appleby was announced as a head coach for Exeter Chiefs over the summer. Exeter announced that they are launching a bid to enter the Premier 15s next season and Appleby will be at the helm. The coach remains at Gloucester this season.

The Stoop will be buzzing with Harlequins playing Richmond on Saturday. Player Leah Lyons exclusively told NewsChain that she is 'excited' favout her first game back from injury.

Look out for our comprehensive coverage of the league this season. NewsChain will be live streaming, carrying weekly round-ups and exclusively speaking to players.

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