Gloucester-Hartpury are bidding to win a third straight English title

 

Gloucester-Hartpury to Launch Title Defence Against Leicester Tigers in Premiership Women's Rugby Opener

Defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury will kick off their title defence at home against Leicester Tigers on the opening weekend of the 2024-25 Premiership Women's Rugby season. Sean Lynn’s Gloucester side, who clinched back-to-back Premiership titles with a victory over Bristol Bears in last season’s final, are set to begin their quest for a third consecutive crown on October 6.

Despite their impressive track record, Gloucester-Hartpury’s attack coach, Andrew Ford, emphasized a measured approach to the new season. "We are not putting any pressure on ourselves," Ford stated. "We are fully aware that the league is getting stronger, which is exactly what we want."

The season will commence with several high-profile fixtures, beginning with Saracens, who will face Trailfinders on October 5. Saracens, three-time Premiership champions, finished second in the table last season but fell to Bristol in the semi-finals. The clash against Trailfinders will mark their first step towards reclaiming the top spot.

Bristol Bears, who fell short in the final, will start their campaign against Loughborough Lightning, while Harlequins will take on Exeter Chiefs at Twickenham. Sale Sharks will have a bye in the opening round, giving them an extra week to prepare for their upcoming matches.

The new season promises to be an exciting one, with the strength of the league continuing to rise, and teams like Gloucester-Hartpury looking to extend their dominance. Fans can look forward to a competitive season as the top sides battle it out for supremacy in English women’s rugby.