So Far In The Women’s Premiership Rugby Season

Starting with Leicester Tigers and Trailfinders Women entering the scene, the 2024/25 Women’s Premiership Rugby season has been explosive and now features nine clubs fighting it out. This season is looking to be among the most exciting ever, with fresh players joining the clubs and rivalries building.

Current Standings

By late October, Saracens and Exeter Chiefs have claimed the Best spots on the table, both unbeaten through four rounds. Saracens are embracing this momentum, aiming to surpass last season’s close call.

Exeter Chiefs are major title candidates as they are demonstrating early with strong defence and keen counterattacks. Gloucester-Hartpury, defending champs, have had a mixed start with two victories and two losses, leaving them close behind the top.

Trafilers and Leicester Tigers Women have entered the field, each trying to challenge the norm. Tigers provide fresh skill and enthusiasm, thereby giving depth and excitement to women’s rugby this season even if they are still losing.

Early Season Favourites

Gloucester-Hartpury and Saracens began out as season favourites, and the race has been tight. Gloucester-Hartpury, two-time winners, came in strong and seemed set to defend their crown.

But Saracens began with fresh zeal, hoping to bury the semi-final setback of last season. Saracens narrowly edged out the reigning champions, a win that strengthened their top-table position and signaled their intent to reclaim the title

Meanwhile, Exeter Chiefs have emerged as serious challengers, demonstrating solid defence and fast counterattacks. Their ascent has shook things up, keeping Saracens and Gloucester-Hartpury on alert

Standout Players

This season has witnessed remarkable performances among teams, giving depth to league competition. For Saracens, Marlie Packer’s leadership and Jess Breach’s pace have anchored their undefeated start.

Gloucester-Hartpury benefits from Emma Sing’s dependable scoring and Zoe Aldcroft’s backline effect, keeping them competitive. Bristol Bears are driven by Amber Reed’s playmaking stability and Millie David’s try-scoring.

Harlequins gained strength with Jade Konkel-Roberts’ comeback and Alex Callender’s new vigour. Exeter Chiefs benefit from Maddie Feaunati’s strength and Claudia MacDonald’s quickness.

Newcomers Trailfinders Women rely on Abby Dow’s speed and Liz Crake’s defence, while Loughborough Lightning shows Emily Scarratt’s experience and Sadia Kabeya’s defence. Sale Sharks have grown with Morwenna Talling’s defensive ferocity, making this season incredibly competitive.

Upcoming Matches and Key Clashes

As the season heats up, supporters have their eyes fastened to the impending major contests, notably the much-anticipated London derbies. The duel between Saracens and Exeter Chiefs is on everyone’s radar, with two of the top clubs poised to go head-to-head in a contest that may be a true game-changer in the rankings.

Then there’s Saracens’ ‘Duel’ with Harlequins—a rivalry that drew record crowds last season and promises even more nail-biting moments this time around. If last season was anything to go by, these matches will bring all the drama and then some.

Looking Ahead

Set to end on 23 February 2025, this season’s Premiership Rugby has players and fans thrilled. With top-level play and tremendous skill on show, teams are contending for the trophy while preparing up for next year’s World Cup, when many will proudly represent their nationalities.

More significantly, it has also been more competitive between teams due to the entry of teams like Leicester Tigers and Trailfinders Women in the league. The season therefore promises to be defining for women’s rugby in England as each team will seek to outdo the other with new talents coming through the system. The stakes are high as players also look to prepare for the 2025 World Cup. For fans, this will only add more motivation and anticipation. This season might well be remembered as that which turned Premiership Women’s Rugby into an even more formidable force on the world scene.