Gloucester-Hartpury secured their third consecutive Premiership Women’s Rugby title with a commanding 34-19 victory over Saracens, marking a triumphant send-off for their departing head coach, Sean Lynn. The team delivered an emphatic performance on enemy turf, cementing their status as the first club to achieve three successive championship wins.
Lynn, who is set to take on the role of Wales women’s head coach, has overseen an impressive transformation of Gloucester-Hartpury since his arrival in 2019. From a mid-table team to a dominant force in the league, his leadership has left a lasting legacy. Supporters showed their appreciation by forming a tunnel for the squad’s arrival, shifting their usual chants to repeated calls of “Lynny.” Expressing his gratitude, Lynn described the moment as one he would “treasure forever.”
“To have my family in that huddle, dreams do come true. To finish this five-year stint with Gloucester-Hartpury with the three-peat, it is very special. I cannot fault them. The players, the staff, it is a very special club,” he said.
Prop Maud Muir earned the player of the match title for a dominant display, while co-captain Natasha “Mo” Hunt provided expert leadership despite receiving a first-half yellow card. Gloucester-Hartpury had to fight through adversity, as has been their pattern throughout the season, often weathering early opposition pressure before mounting decisive comebacks.
The final began in electrifying fashion as Mia Venner found a gap in the Saracens defense, setting up Kate Williams for the opening try. Saracens responded quickly, with full-back Jess Breach finishing a well-worked try. Gloucester’s discipline faltered, allowing Saracens to gain territory and execute their powerful rolling maul. A penalty try was awarded, and Hunt was sent to the sin bin, giving Saracens an advantage they capitalized on with a try from Lotte Sharp.
Despite these setbacks, Gloucester struck back before halftime. Emma Sing and Venner both crossed the line, though Saracens led 19-15 at the break. The second half saw Gloucester regain control, with Muir and hooker Neve Jones scoring tries. Even after going down to 14 players following Alex Matthews’ yellow card for a high tackle on Poppy Cleall, they held firm, preventing Saracens from adding to their tally.
Hunt sealed the victory with the final try of the match, igniting celebrations among the players and fans. As the final whistle blew, Gloucester supporters erupted in cheers, while Lynn embraced his coaching staff in jubilant scenes. The chants of “Lynny” that began the day returned, echoing around the stadium in tribute to their departing leader.
Reflecting on the achievement, co-captain Zoe Aldcroft expressed her pride in securing the title for Lynn. “It’s super emotional, but I am buzzing we got the chance to get the third title for him. He has been unbelievable for us and built that legacy. No team has done this before. I am super proud we could do this for him.”
She highlighted the team culture Lynn instilled, saying, “When we step on the pitch, we are fighting for each other. We don’t let anyone go alone. That is what he has created.”
While Gloucester celebrated, Saracens turned their focus to next season, determined to reclaim the title. Their head coach, Alex Austerberry, remained optimistic despite the defeat. “We lost the league final against Harlequins at Gloucester in 2021, came back, and won it the next year. Gloucester are in a purple patch, and it’s going to take a good side to knock them off. We have been there before, and I am sure we will be there again.”
Saracens will have to wait until October for their chance at redemption, as the league pauses for the Rugby World Cup, set to take place in England. Meanwhile, Lynn will quickly shift focus to his new role, beginning preparations for the Women’s Six Nations at 9 a.m. on Monday, where he will look to extend his winning touch to the international stage.
