Marlie Packer Shines in Final Saracens Appearance
Marlie Packer scored two tries to conclude her Saracens career on a high note as the north London club clinched a record fourth league title with a commanding 52-14 victory over first-time finalists Trailfinders at Twickenham Stoop.
Former England captain Packer, who will join Harlequins next season after nine years with Saracens, crossed the try line twice within eight first-half minutes, helping Alex Austerberry's team dominate their London rivals in the Premiership Women's Rugby final.
Saracens' Dominance Evident Throughout Match
Saracens scored four tries to establish a 26-0 lead at halftime and added four more in the second half. England international Jess Breach's solo try in the latter stages was a standout moment.
Having previously won the league—formerly known as the Premier 15s—in 2018, 2019, and 2022, Saracens surpassed Gloucester-Hartpury to become the most successful club in English women's rugby history.
Trailfinders' Remarkable Journey to the Final
Trailfinders, newcomers to the league in 2023, secured their place in the playoffs and final by defeating defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury in consecutive matches.
Despite having never beaten Saracens in eight encounters, Barney Maddison's squad entered the final with confidence, buoyed by their strong form since the start of the year.
Quality and Experience Prove Decisive
However, facing seasoned players such as two-time World Cup winner Packer, current world player of the year Sophie de Goede, England's player of the season Zoe Harrison, and league player of the season Olivia Apps, Trailfinders were outmatched.
They demonstrated resilience and determination, but the difference in quality was evident as Saracens—who finished 25 points ahead in the regular season—secured a well-deserved victory, avenging last season's final loss.
Match Details and Line-ups
Tries: Omokhuale, Packer 2, Gregson, Breach 2, Corrigan, Harrison
Conversions: Harrison 6
Trailfinders Tries: Montiel, Burton
Conversions: Inman 2
Saracens Starting XV: Breach; Corrigan, Hardy, Bridge, Gregson; Harrison (co-captain), Apps; Clifford, Field, Rose, Omokhuale, Royer, Senft, Packer (co-captain), De Goede.
Replacements: Tremelling, Crake, Flanagan, Evans, Cleall, Sellors, MacDougall, Sharp.
Trailfinders Starting XV: Inman; Laflin, Jones, Cox, White; Gallagher, Norman-Bell; Leatherman, Ponsonby, Montiel, Wassell, Borland, Head, Zackary (captain), Burton.
Replacements: Blanco, Meta, Tuffnail, Taylor, Malcolm, Williams, Bradley, Gallagher.
