Olympic Sevens flyer Ellie Boatman returns to Saracens eight years after debut season

GB Sevens Olympian Ellie Boatman has rejoined Premiership Women’s Rugby champions Saracens for the 2026/27 season, eight years after her first stint at the club as a second-XV player in 2018/19.

The 29-year-old wing represented Team GB at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the 2023 European Games, the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town, establishing herself as one of the most decorated Sevens players in the British women’s game.

In the club format, Boatman built her career through spells at Richmond, Wasps and Harlequins before joining Trailfinders Women, where she made eight league appearances last season as the club reached the PWR final. She also featured for Atlantic Novas in Ultimate Sevens, with the team finishing as runners-up across the three-stage competition.

“I’m really excited to be returning to the club after eight years,” Boatman said. “Saracens was my first Premiership club and gave me my first opportunity, so it feels like a full-circle moment. I’m really excited to wear the shirt again and make some more memories with new teammates.”

Saracens director of rugby Alex Austerberry welcomed the signing as a statement of intent from the reigning champions. “Ellie has developed incredibly well in the interim period and has been incredibly successful, particularly with GB Sevens,” he said. “Her experience, talent and work rate will ensure we see the very best of her in a Saracens shirt, and that is exciting for fans and coaches alike.”

Boatman’s return comes after a difficult end to the international Sevens season, with Great Britain relegated from the top flight of the HSBC SVNS World Championship. The move to StoneX Stadium gives her a platform to refocus on the fifteen-a-side game with the strongest club in the women’s domestic competition.