Beth Blacklock leaves Saracens for newly promoted Stade Rochelais in personal homecoming

Beth Blacklock has left Premiership Women’s Rugby champions Saracens to sign with newly promoted French Élite 1 Féminine club Stade Rochelais, the 28-year-old centre confirmed this week. The move carries a personal dimension: her father, Danny, previously lived and played rugby in La Rochelle.

“I loved my time at Saracens and the opportunities the club gave me, but I’ve always wanted to use rugby as a chance to travel and experience playing in France,” Blacklock said. “I’m excited to play in the city where my dad lived and played, and I’m looking forward to this next chapter.”

Blacklock won six caps for Scotland between 2023 and 2025 and made her final international appearance against Fiji at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. During Saracens’ title-winning PWR season — the club’s fourth championship of the PWR era — she made eight league appearances and contributed eight points.

A Durham University graduate, Blacklock previously represented Darlington Mowden Park Sharks and Harlequins before a three-year stint at Saracens. Director of Rugby Alex Austerberry paid tribute to her contribution at the club.

“Beth made a significant contribution during her time at Saracens and created many memorable moments in a Saracens shirt,” Austerberry said. “Her performances at club level helped earn her a return to the Scotland squad, which was thoroughly deserved. Her smile, positivity and energy will be greatly missed by everyone.”

Blacklock is among several PWR players crossing the English Channel this summer. Former Leicester Tigers playmaker Kristin Bitter has joined Montpellier, alongside France international scrum-half Margaux Duces and Canada sevens international Monique Coffey.