Harlequins have announced that duo Freya Aucken and Izzy Mayhew have signed new contracts with the Club ahead of the 2023/24 Allianz Premier 15s season.
Freya Aucken, who plays her trade mainly at scrum-half but can also cover the back three, joined Harlequins from Richmond during the 2020/21 season. Aucken made her Premier 15s debut for Richmond aged just 17 and has represented England U18.
The 21-year-old has quickly established herself as one of the most consistent names on the Quins team sheet with her ability to cover positions across the backline.
Commenting on her re-signing, Aucken said: “I’m really excited to stay with Quins for another season. I want to grow more as a player and this feels like the perfect environment to do so.”
Izzy Mayhew joined Harlequins ahead of the 2017/18 Premier 15s season and was part of the title winning side in 2021. Another versatile back, Mayhew can cover both centre and wing and has featured regularly in the starting XV during her six seasons with the Club.
Earlier this season, Mayhew made her 50th appearance for Harlequins during the away victory over Loughborough Lightning at Franklins Gardens, where she scored a last-minute try to seal the win for Quins.
Commenting on her renewal, Mayhew said: “I’m really excited to be signing a new deal with Quins that will be taking me into my seventh season with the Club. I am looking forward to seeing how we can build and develop as a squad over the next season.”
Head Coach Amy Turner added: “In this league having versatile players who can cover multiple positions is invaluable, and so having Freya and Izzy re-sign with us is fantastic.
“Freya’s skillset is very impressive, there aren’t many nines who can compete in a footrace, or many fullbacks who can boss the game like a scrum-half, but Freya can do both and more.
“Izzy is a player who can influence a game and step up when under pressure. We saw this against Loughborough when we went over to seal the win in the final minute, or when she came on against Wasps and set up a 70 metre try with her first touch. At just 23 she’s already becoming an experienced head in this squad and will continue to grow moving forward with Quins.”
With thanks to Harlequins
