Harlequins have confirmed the signing of England Red Roses hooker Connie Powell.
The 22-year-old, who currently plays for Gloucester-Hartpury, will join Harlequins Women ahead of the 2023/24 Allianz Premier 15s season.
The Suffolk born player has achieved nine Red Roses caps to date and represented England U20 from 2017 to 2020. Her Test debut came against USA in 2021, before earning selection in England’s 2022 Tik Tok Six Nations squad, featuring against Scotland, Italy and Wales. She was also named in Simon Middleton’s squad for the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, and the 2023 Six Nations.
Powell played her early rugby for Sudbury RUFC and Eastern Counties before moving to Hartpury College in 2016 to study Sport Business Management. Her first start for Gloucester-Hartpury came against Harlequins Women in September 2018.
Speaking ahead of her move to Quins, Connie said: “I’m really excited to be signing for Harlequins. It has always been a club at the forefront of driving the women’s game forward. I can’t wait to get started and develop my game around a fantastic group of players and start a new challenge in the Famous Quarters.”
Head Coach Amy Turner commented: “Connie is a highly talented test hooker who will add firepower and depth to our front-row. She has gained valuable experience at test level and will be an exciting addition to our squad as we continue to strengthen our programme heading into next season.”
The announcement follows the significant re-signing of Scottish duo Jade Konkel and Sarah Bonar, and last week’s confirmation that Ross Chisholm has been appointed the full-time Attack and Transition Coach. These are all key announcements in the Club’s plan to develop the strongest women’s rugby programme in the Northern Hemisphere.
With thanks to Harlequins
