SARACENS TO DOUBLE INVESTMENT IN WOMEN’S TEAM
Saracens today announces it has doubled its investment in Saracens Women.
This investment will go towards the aim of improving the club’s infrastructure; introducing financial support for players and delivering bespoke player development programmes, to help to keep the Tyrrells Premier 15s Champions at the forefront of the game.
Player contracts for the 2019/20 season, while unpaid, will ensure that every member of the Women’s squad will receive increased support, on and off the pitch.
This includes but is not limited to: medical and nutritional support, personalised S&C programmes, Individual Development Plan sessions and support with personal development. Up to ten players within the Saracens Women squad will also receive retainers and there will be an introduction of match fees for every 1st XV fixture for the upcoming season.
Saracens Chief Executive Mitesh Velani said:
“We are really proud of the achievements of our Women’s team and we want to continue to do more to support them in the years to come.
“With the growing appetite for women’s rugby it’s the perfect time to take the next step in growing the Women’s team.
“We are in a unique position, not only to push for continued success on the pitch, but to drive standards off it.”
The investment also includes the creation of three new roles. Laura Eddie has been appointed Director of Women’s Sport, Lewis Sones - Women’s Performance Pathway Manager and Harry Waine, full-time Strength and Conditioning Coach.
As Director of Women’s Sport, Eddie will have a responsibility for providing operational and strategic leadership for Saracens Women. This will include supporting and managing all performance related aspects of the women’s rugby team.
Saracen’s Director of Women’s Sport, Laura Eddie said:
“This investment is about ensuring that we are sustainable and building for the long-term rather than the short-term.
“For us this is a continuation of what has come before. We want to make sure people can continue to watch world-class rugby when they come to Allianz Park and developing the infrastructure will go a long way towards doing that.
“We pride ourselves on being a club that cares and it’s important to us that we continue supporting all of our players on and off the pitch.”
Lewis Sones, who will also be lead coach for the Development XV, will be tasked with delivering and developing the Centre of Excellence programme as well as supporting the transition of players from Junior to Senior level and developing educational partnerships with schools and colleges.
Harry Waine’s role will allow him to provide enhanced strength and conditioning support for the Saracens Women squad, including personalised programmes, in alignment with individual development plans and wider performance support.
“We are in a unique position, not only to push for continued success on the pitch, but to drive standards off it.”
The upcoming season will also see a greater alignment with Saracens Men. Saracens Women EPS players now train on a daily basis at the Men’s training base at Old Albanian RFC with other members of the Saracens squad also having the opportunity to train there throughout the season.
This will also allow the players and Women’s staff to utilise the medical and sports science expertise and provision within the Men’s performance setup.
Saracens Women and England fullback Sarah McKenna said:
“I think it’s really great that the club is increasing its support for the Women’s team.
“The fact that everyone on the squad, no matter their level, will be able to receive this much support shows that the club cares about the Women’s team and is committed to helping us continue to be successful.”
Saracens Women’s first fixture of the 2019/20 Tyrrells Premier 15s season will be away to Bristol Bears Women on Saturday 21 September.
Their first home game of the season will be on Sunday 29 September against Richmond FC at Allianz Park. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
