Saracens Women have announced the return of Rugby World Cup finalist, Poppy Cleall to the club for the inaugural Tyrrells Premier 15s season.
The utility forward originally joined Saracens in 2012 and spent four seasons with the North London club before signing for Bristol Ladies in summer 2016. The 25 year old amassed over 50 caps for Sarries during which time she was part of the Premiership and Cup double winning squad and was nominated for the Premiership Player of the Year Award in 2016 and 2017. Cleall will team up with her identical twin sister Bryony in the forward pack for their first time together in Sarries colours.
Making her way through the England pathway with divisional and England U20 honours, Cleall was given her opportunity to step up onto the senior international stage last year as she won her debut cap for England coming off the bench vs Scotland in the Six Nations. She has since won 15 caps for her country and helped England to Six Nations Grand Slam glory earlier this year, along with picking up a runners up medal at the Rugby World Cup in Ireland this summer.
Speaking on her return to the club Cleall said: “I am absolutely thrilled to return to Saracens and finally get to play alongside my twin sister!
“Saracens Women have one of the most professional setups, one of the most successful teams and a club ready to stamp their mark on the new Tyrrells Premier 15s. I can’t wait to get started and join up with a great looking squad.”
“It’s fantastic to welcome Poppy back to the club” said Rob Cain. “She has shown over the last three seasons that she’s one of the most dangerous ball carriers in the game. Poppy’s worked hard on her game since she left us for a season and her involvement at the recent World Cup highlights this. She can play anywhere across the back five in the forwards and I am very excited to see both her and her sister play alongside each other.”
Report courtesy of Saracens Women
Lead photo shows Poppy Cleall in Bristol colours playing against Worcester Valkyries
