Three Women's Pathway Players to step up to first team squad

Saracens Women are delighted to confirm that three players from the player pathway, will be stepping up into the first team squad next season.

Amelia MacDougall, Joia Bennett and Daisy Fitzgerald have all progressed into the first team squad, having excelled in their time at Oaklands College and as part of the Centre of Excellence Programme.

Building from within is one of the key principles at Saracens, with a large number of the current first team squad having come through the player pathway programme. This season, both Chloe Flanagan and Katie Johnson made the step up to senior rugby after impressing throughout their time in the player pathway.

MacDougall, an all-action ball-playing back has already made her debut for England U18s, whilst hooker Fitzgerald and utility forward Bennett have also impressed in Saracens Centre of Excellence colours.

Director of Rugby Alex Austerberry is delighted to be welcoming the trio into the senior squad.

"Saracens has had a long, rich history of developing young players and I have no doubt that all three have the talent and potential to add to the illustrious list. Credit must go their junior clubs for developing three extremely exciting players and to the great work Niamh McHugh and Lewis Sones are doing throughout the Saracens pathway."

"Amelia, is a very talented ball-playing back with the ability to unlock defences in numerous ways. She's confident to express herself on the field and it will be a real pleasure to see her develop over the next few years."

"Daisy is a powerful, physical and aggressive hooker who really steps up to the challenge. Already accustomed to the 'Saracens Way', her work rate and application will ensure that she maximises her undoubted potential."

"Joia, is a very athletic back row/ second row, who has an unbelievable work-rate. Consistently in the game, and a real turnover threat at the breakdown, Joia will have some fantastic ‘breakdown merchants’ to learn from to help push her to new heights. The one thing that is for sure, is that the future is very exciting and bright."

Women's Pathway Lead Niamh McHugh is also thrilled to see three pathway players making the step up to the senior squad.

“It is great to see Daisy, Amelia and Joia gain senior contracts with the club. The development which they have shown over the past two years has been fantastic and showcases the strength of the pathway here at Saracens. I, alongside the rest of the pathway, cannot wait to see them pull on the Saracens shirt in the near future!”