TEAM NEWS | Bristol Bears Women v Saracens Women

Poppy Cleall is immensely excited to make her return to the starting line-up ahead of Sunday’s top of the table clash against Bristol Bears Women. 

The World Player of Year Nominee suffered a quadricep injury in the win over Loughborough Lightning back in mid January, meaning she has been on the sidelines for the last five weeks. 

Alex Austerberry’s side haven’t played since the Harlequins victory on 5th February, and they got an extra weekend of rest last week when the match against Gloucester-Hartpury was postponed due to Storm Eunice which means they will be raring to go on Sunday. 

Kelsey Clifford, May Campbell and Alex Ellis start in the front-row, with Sonia Green and Georgia Evans in a highly experienced second-row. 

Vicky Fleetwood and co-captain Marlie Packer will be flankers, with Cleall providing a big boost to the side at number eight. 

Ella Wyrwas and Holly Aitchison will maintain their half-back partnership, with Alev Kelter and Cara Wardle in the midfield. 

Alysha Corrigan, Rachel Laqeretabua and co-captain Lotte Clapp will operate as the back-three, and will need to be clinical when any chances come their way against the second-placed Bears. 

There is a wealth of experience on the bench, with centurions Kat Evans and Hannah Casey ready to be called upon when needed.

A win this weekend would give Austerberry’s team some crucial breathing space at the top of the Premier 15’s table, and Cleall can’t wait to get back out there. 

“The big games in this league don’t stop coming! It’s great to be able to be back out there with my teammates helping them out and hopefully building on the last few weeks and the great performances the girls have put out!”

Saracens Women team to play Bristol Bears Women:

1 Kelsey Clifford

2 May Campbell

3 Alex Ellis

4 Sonia Green

5 Georgia Evans

6 Vicky Fleetwood

7 Marlie Packer (cc)

8 Poppy Cleall 

9 Ella Wyrwas

10 Holly Aitchison

11 Alysha Corrigan

12 Alev Kelter 

13 Cara Wardle

14 Rachel Laqeretabua

15 Lotte Clapp (cc)

Replacements:

16 Kat Evans

17 Mackenzie Carson

18 Donna Rose

19 Catha Jacobs

20 Fiona McIntosh 

21 Lisa Martin

22 Hannah Casey

23 Chantelle Miell