World Cup winner Galligan departs Saracens after surpassing 50 appearances for the club

Rosie Galligan is leaving Saracens after her second stint at the club, the 28-year-old lock confirmed this week. The departure follows that of her fiancée, England flanker Marlie Packer, who has signed for Premiership Women’s Rugby rivals Harlequins after nine years at StoneX Stadium.

Galligan first joined Saracens at 18 and won two Premier 15s titles during that initial spell before spending two years at Harlequins between 2021 and 2023. On returning to North London in 2023, she surpassed 50 appearances for the club and earned a place in John Mitchell’s England squad for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

She featured in every match of England’s tournament run, including 11 minutes off the bench in the 33-13 final victory over Canada — a match played in front of a world record crowd at Allianz Stadium.

Galligan is currently away from rugby as she expects her first child with Packer, herself a 116-cap Red Roses international.

“I have absolutely loved my time at Saracens,” Galligan said. “From my first game at 18 to my last before finding out I was going to be a mum, this club has been a place that has helped me grow and flourish both as a player and as a person. I will always be grateful to everyone at the club for being part of my journey.”

She added that she is “excited for this new challenge in motherhood” and looks forward to returning to rugby with “renewed motivation and fresh goals for the future”.

Saracens Director of Women’s Rugby Alex Austerberry paid tribute to Galligan’s contribution across both stints. “She established herself as one of the leading second row players in England and her performances for Saracens played an important role in her inclusion in England’s Rugby World Cup winning squad in 2025,” he said. “We thank Rosie for everything she has given to Saracens and wish her, Marlie and their family every health and happiness as they begin this new chapter.”

Saracens, meanwhile, are preparing for a sixth PWR Final after edging Exeter Chiefs 40-38 in last weekend’s semi-final, a match in which Jess Breach scored a late try to seal the win.