Gloucester Hartpury clinched an historic third Premiership Women’s Rugby title on Sunday afternoon with a 34-19 win over Saracens at the StoneX Stadium.
Guinness Women’s Six Nations stars were in action for both teams as the new Wales Women head coach Sean Lynn took the reins of Gloucester Hartpury for the final time before taking up his new international role.
Gloucester Hartpury were first to put their names on the scoreboard with Wales flanker Kate Williams crashing over the line to take the early lead inside the opening five minutes. Their opponents were quick to answer back with Red Rose Jess Breach levelling the scores.
With momentum on Saracens’ side, a penalty at the scrum went against Mo Hunt, who was shown a yellow card, and the hosts were awarded a penalty try to extend their lead.
Firmly in control, Saracens utilised the player advantage and some quick hands from Breach put Lotte Sharp over on the wing to put Saracens 19-5 ahead.
But Gloucester Hartpury were quick to fight back and managed to work their way up field and turn territory into points with Emma Sing bursting through to score. The Cherry and Whites had time to sneak one in just before half time with Mia Venner breaking down the left and set up the attack. A few phases later, Venner was able to finish what she started and ground the ball over to take the scores to 19-15 at the break.
In the second half, Player of the Match Maud Muir broke loose to score under the posts and take Gloucester Hartpury ahead with Sing’s conversion making it 22-19. Dominating possession, the travelling side found themselves once again in their hosts 22. A powerful maul drove Neve Jones over for the try to take her side further ahead.
Gloucester Hartpury’s momentum was stunted when Alex Matthews was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle. But despite their efforts, Saracens couldn’t take advantage of having an extra player and the Cherry and Whites entered the final 20 minutes with an eight-point lead.
With the final 10 minutes approaching, Gloucester Hartpury found themselves back on the Saracens line. In truth, they’d already spent most of the half attacking the Saracens’ 22. A trademark Mo Hunt show-and-go unlocked the defence as she extended her team’s lead to a 15-points with ten minutes to go.
Gloucester Hartpury saw out the game impressively with a 34-19 victory, completing an historic success and bidding farewell to their much-loved coach Sean Lynn in style.
Sean’s time at Hartpury has spanned two decades, progressing from a student to a member of teaching staff where he played a vital coaching role within the rugby academy and into the head coach role at Gloucester Hartpury.
Speaking on Friday, Sean said: “I'm super proud of Where Gloucester Hartpury have come from. For me, it's making sure that a 16-year-old female player who wants to play rugby is inspired to put the cherry and white jersey on.
Reflecting on his inspirational role at Hartpury University and College, he added: “Hartpury breeds success and the more you’re in the environment, the more you think it’s the norm. I’m all about family and that’s one thing I would say Hartpury is, one big family.”
Women’s rugby at Hartpury
Hartpury University and Hartpury College’s women’s rugby programme is recognised as one of the leading player development pathways, combining elite-level coaching with top-class education. The programme offers student-athletes access to professional-standard facilities, strength and conditioning support, and academic flexibility to balance both sporting and academic ambitions.
A key influence on the programme’s success is the close partnership with Gloucester Hartpury RFC, one of the top clubs in the Premiership Women’s Rugby league. This unique relationship provides a clear performance pathway, allowing Hartpury players to train and play alongside some of the country’s best athletes, with many progressing to professional rugby careers and earning national team honours.
In addition, sports science at Hartpury University ranks 4th in the UK according to The Guardian’s University Guide 2025.
