Leicester Tigers release 10 women's players including USA Eagles trio after bottom-place PWR finish

Leicester Tigers are parting ways with 10 players from their women’s squad at the close of the Premiership Women’s Rugby season, the club has confirmed, with the departures coming after the Tigers finished bottom of the PWR table.

Headlining the exits are USA Women’s Eagles internationals Emily Henrich, Kristin Bitter and Emerson Allen, all three of whom represented the United States at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Henrich, 26, first arrived at Mattioli Woods Welford Road in 2024 and made an immediate impression, scoring 14 tries in her debut campaign. She added two more in 15 appearances during the 2025/26 season. Bitter featured in 16 matches this term, while Allen played in 14 fixtures.

Wales international Katherine Baverstock also departs after a single season at the club. The 23-year-old prop managed just six appearances due to injury.

Among the other players leaving are lock Olivia Tallon, who joined following a trial at the start of the season and made three appearances, and Zoe Evans, who ends a four-season stay having pulled on a Leicester shirt 34 times. Charlotte Daley departs after 22 appearances across four seasons, and capped South Africa prop Amber Schonert exits without having made an appearance for the club.

The club has also confirmed that Leah Heath and Danielle Solly will retire from rugby. Heath played 13 matches this season before a shoulder injury cut her campaign short, while Solly made nine appearances.

Despite the significant squad turnover, Leicester signalled their long-term commitment to the women’s programme in April, announcing an agreement covering “an enhanced strategy for growth, additional investment and continued commitment” to the club. The statement outlined plans to strengthen the programme through new roles on both the performance and commercial sides, alongside a development plan for the playing group.

“Over the past five years, the programme has made great strides in promoting rugby to women and girls within Leicester, Leicestershire, and the surrounding areas,” the club said, adding that partnerships with Lichfield RFC, Nottingham University and UXI are set to be expanded.