PWR final: Sean Lynn and Alex Austerberry preview ‘special’ clash between Saracens and Gloucester-Hartpury
By Ben Southby
Published 14/03/2025 at 14:40 GMT
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"We have belief in our players when their backs are against the wall and when they've been written off by most people, they'll come to the fore," said Saracens' Alex Austerberry, who will lead his team into battle against the "special" two-time champions Gloucester-Hartpury in the Premiership Women's Rugby final. Sean Lynn said it would mean "everything" for his side to win a third straight title.
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Video credit: SNTV
Saracens and Gloucester-Hartpury will lock horns on Sunday as they battle for the Premiership Women's Rugby title.
The final returns to the capital for the first time since 2018 and will be live on TNT Sports and discovery+ from Saracens' StoneX Stadium.
Gloucester-Hartpury are chasing a third consecutive title, where they can equal Saracens' record as the most successful team in the competition.
But Saracens will hope to recapture the trophy from their opponents who have held it since The Women in Black last triumphed in 2022.
Saracens boss Alex Austerberry described it as a "very challenging" season for his side, but has full belief in his players despite the difficult challenge ahead.
"We have belief in our players when their backs are against the wall and when they've been written off by most people, they'll come to the fore," he told TNT Sports.
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"Any team that can win back-to-back titles is special. Any team that can get to a third final, that's not quite groundbreaking, but it's up there with the best teams that have gone in the history of women's rugby, so that stands alone.
"[I would be] immensely proud [if we won], the effort that the players and the staff put in, it's a culmination of all that."
His opposite number, Sean Lynn said "going to Saracens' backyard" for their bid at a third consecutive title is the most exciting thing about the task ahead.
He admitted that Sunday's opponents "know how to win big games", but they themselves "know how to win" when push comes to shove.
On which Saracens player could cause them a problem, he said: "Marlie Packer. [She] leads by example. When the side needs that leader, she galvanises the squad [and is] very physical."
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Marlie Packer
Image credit: Getty Images
Austerberry was asked the same question, to which he responded: "They've got lots of talent, but probably Alex Matthews.
"[I had] the pleasure of working with her when she was much younger, coming through the England 20s. What she's grown to be and what she's becoming as a player and person is fantastic."
Stream the Gallagher Premiership and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
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