Italy's Sara Mannini signs for Harlequins after standout Women's Six Nations campaign

Sara Mannini has signed for Harlequins, the Italy international joining the Premiership Women’s Rugby club from Rugby Colorno 1975 ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The 20-year-old, who can operate at fly-half or centre, played in all five of Italy’s 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations fixtures and represented the Azzurre at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. She also claimed the Serie A Elite Player of the Season award for her efforts with Colorno, capping a breakout year that has seen her accumulate 17 caps since her international debut in 2024.

“Joining Harlequins is a significant step in my career,” Mannini said. “I have always admired the Harlequins’ style of play and the level of the PWR, and I am truly looking forward to testing myself at the highest level. I’m excited to start this new adventure and grateful for this opportunity to grow alongside this team.”

Mannini joins fellow Italy international Silvia Turani at the West London club, continuing a summer of active recruitment for head coach Ross Chisholm. Harlequins have also announced the arrivals of Marlie Packer, Rosie Galligan, and Sisilia Tuipulotu, though the club did lose Ellie Kildunne to Bristol Bears.

Chisholm was candid about what attracted him to the young Italian. “She is a young player but already has plenty of international experience and is able to play in a number of positions,” he said. “I thought she was particularly impressive for Italy during the Six Nations and feel that she is going to be able to continue developing as a player here at Quins. She is a great distributor of the ball and also has great work rate in defence.”

Harlequins finished fifth in the PWR table last season, four points behind fourth-placed Trailfinders Women and outside the knockout rounds. The cluster of signings signals a clear intent to push back into the top four in the coming campaign.