Saracens sign Beth Wilcock from Harlequins as PWR champions strengthen their squad

Saracens have signed Beth Wilcock from Harlequins, making the 25-year-old their first senior arrival of the summer as the Premiership Women’s Rugby champions begin building on their title-winning campaign. Wilcock spent seven seasons at the Twickenham Stoop, winning the Premier 15s with Harlequins in 2021, before making the move across London to StoneX Stadium.

Last season Wilcock scored four tries in 14 league appearances for Harlequins, whose campaign ended in disappointment as Ross Chisholm’s side missed out on the play-offs by just four points. She is one of 26 players to have departed the West London club this summer.

Saracens Director of Rugby Alex Austerberry was effusive about the signing, citing a long-standing admiration for the player. “Beth is a player I have long admired after working with her as a junior as she progressed through the women’s pathway,” he said. “She is a very physical, powerful and aggressive option on the edge and certainly knows where the try line is.”

Austerberry added that he believes Wilcock still has significant room to develop. “I very much feel there is still room for growth in her game and that our environment will really bring out the best in her and take her game to the next level.”

Wilcock has built a reputation as one of the top domestic performers in the PWR across her senior career. As a teenager she was drafted into the England Sevens setup for HSBC SVNS Series competition and has been capped at England Under-20 level. In 2021 she was included in the Red Roses’ squad for the Women’s Six Nations as a development player.

The back said she was eager to embrace the challenge at one of the game’s most decorated clubs. “I’ve always loved the way Saracens have played, so I am super excited to play under Alex and the coaching team and be part of a squad full of world-class talent,” Wilcock said. “I’m ready for a new chapter where I can challenge myself, learn from some of the best and showcase the player I am.”

Prior to Wilcock’s arrival, Saracens had only confirmed the promotion of four Oaklands College graduates — Alix Ahad, Leila Crick, Lavinia Natui and Ruby Ross — to their Senior Academy this summer.