The shortened Premiership Women’s Rugby season will challenge the depth of all nine clubs’ squads, according to Saracens back row Poppy Cleall, as the league kicks off this Saturday.
This season features the same number of fixtures but in a more compact schedule. Unlike last season, which ran from November to June, the 2024-25 campaign begins in October and concludes in March. The compressed schedule, which includes rest weeks, is designed to allow internationals a break between the Women’s Six Nations and the 2025 Rugby World Cup, hosted in England and starting on 22 August.
Cleall, who will face Trailfinders on Saturday, notes: “A shortened season significantly increases the pressure on players and their bodies. I believe it will undoubtedly impact performance. It will come down to which squads have the greatest depth and which physiotherapy departments are effectively managing player loads and minutes.”
“It’s a puzzle that teams will need to navigate more carefully. There will likely be more unexpected victories, possibly due to players being overburdened with minutes in a month. But this is a positive challenge for the league; no one is complaining. It’s another test of how well you can manage your squad and build depth.”
Saracens, last season’s champions in 2021-22, have missed the final in the past two campaigns, falling in the semi-finals. Cleall, also a voluntary assistant coach at Wasps, describes these losses as “disappointing.” While the ultimate goal remains the trophy, Saracens’ primary focus this season is securing a spot in the final.
Their first step towards this goal is their weekend match against Trailfinders, who have a new head coach following Giselle Mather’s abrupt departure due to a reported power struggle. Barney Maddison, last season’s assistant coach, has taken the helm. This is Trailfinders’ second season in the top flight, having finished sixth last campaign.
Elsewhere, Harlequins aim for a stronger finish after ending seventh last season. The 2021 league winners have missed the semi-finals in the past two seasons. Quins open against Exeter, who have steadily built their team over four years in the top flight but seek league silverware after losing two of the last three finals.
Last year’s finalists, Bristol Bears, have bolstered their ranks with Scotland international Emma Orr. Her debut in Bristol colors will wait as she is on Scotland duty this weekend. Bristol’s first match is against Loughborough Lightning, who finished fifth last season.
The season’s final fixture sees defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury play Leicester Tigers. Sale Sharks’ first match is in round two due to the league’s nine-club format, ensuring one club has a bye each round.
All teams will be without international players for the initial rounds due to the ongoing WXV tournaments in Canada, South Africa, and Dubai, concluding on 12 October. Cleall, not selected for the Red Roses squad in WXV 1, participated in England camps over the summer and played against France in a September warm-up.
This match marked her first for England in 498 days and her debut under head coach John Mitchell. Despite not receiving a Rugby Football Union contract in June, Cleall has found new income through her women’s rugby agency. She is determined to make the 2025 Rugby World Cup squad, her last international appearance.
Reflecting on her September game against France, Cleall says: “The entire week leading up to the match, I wondered if it would ever happen again. So, having that moment was special. If that was my last international game, I’d be content. I faced a significant setback, being the only contracted player not to play under John Mitchell. It was a long journey back, but I’m glad I made it. That’s not the end goal. I want to continue playing.”
With six Women’s Six Nations titles, part of England’s 30-match winning streak, and appearances in two Rugby World Cup finals, Cleall aims to extend her illustrious international career. However, her focus remains on club rugby: “If I perform well at Sarries, the rest will follow.”
