Three Saracens graduate from pathway programme
Saracens Women welcome trio of academy graduates to senior squad
Saracens Women are delighted to confirm that Jess Taylor, Erin Delea, and Maisy Herbert will join the senior squad for the 2025/26 season after progressing through the club’s renowned player pathway.
All three have developed through the Saracens academy system, having represented Oaklands College, and now take the next step in their journey as full-time members of the senior environment, showcasing the strength and continued success of the club’s pathway programme.
Erin Delea — Back Row, Oaklands College
Erin is a dynamic and versatile forward, equally adept at second row or number eight. She joined Oaklands after coming through the Hertfordshire PDG and representing her local club Welwyn RFC. Her development within the pathway has been impressive, becoming a dual threat in attack and defence, and refining her lineout skills to challenge even the most experienced throwers.
Known for her competitive edge and relentless work ethic, Erin consistently gives everything on the pitch.
Niamh McHugh, Rugby Pathway Lead at Saracens Women, said:
“Erin has made huge strides in her development with us at the academy and is now ready for the next step in her career. As a DiSE student, she has made the most of every opportunity and resource available to her. Her consistency and dedication week in, week out have paid off—I’m incredibly excited to see how she progresses in the senior set-up.”
Jess Taylor — Back Row, Oaklands College
Jess is an unrelenting back-rower known for her tenacity, particularly at the breakdown. She joined the academy via the Eastern Counties PDG pathway while playing her club rugby for Ipswich. Since relocating to Oaklands to pursue a student-athlete path, she has taken every opportunity to improve.
Her relentless drive saw her earn international honours with England U18s in the 2025 Six Nations. A natural leader, Jess co-captained the academy side in her final year to their most successful season to date.
Assistant Coach Lewis Sones said:
“Jess has been outstanding over the past two years. Her leadership qualities were clear from the start, culminating in her captaining the U18s in the ACE League and gaining England recognition.
She’s an exciting back row talent who can operate at 6 or 7, and is also a smart lineout operator. On and off the field, Jess brings huge value, and we’re thrilled to see her step into the senior environment while continuing her studies at Hertfordshire University.”
Maisy Herbert — Scrum Half, Oaklands College
Maisy is an electric scrum-half with sharp footwork and speed that make her a constant threat. She joined Oaklands College through the residential student-athlete programme and fully embraced life within the academy.
She has already gained international recognition with Wales U17s and developed into a standout leader, co-captaining the side in her final year. Despite a setback through injury in her second season, she bounced back with determination, finishing the campaign strongly.
Niamh McHugh said:
“Maisy has truly lived the values of the academy. Her resilience after injury, her leadership within the group, and her consistency in training and performance have been exemplary. She’s a gifted and exciting player who has the potential to shine brightly in the senior game.”
Director of Rugby Alex Austerberry added:
“At Saracens, developing talent from within is part of our DNA. Seeing players progress from the academy to the senior squad and go on to achieve great things—both for club and country—is something we’re immensely proud of.
Oaklands College continues to be an outstanding environment for nurturing future stars. The impact of Niamh, Sarah, Lewis, and the wider team is central to our success. Lewis’s work in building bespoke, individualised development plans that balance rugby, education, and career planning has been outstanding.
I’m incredibly excited to see what Jess, Erin, and Maisy will achieve as they take this next step in their journey. They represent everything we strive for at Saracens.”
