Canada international Gabby Senft joins Saracens as Sharifa Kasolo signs a new deal

Saracens Women are thrilled to announce the arrival of Canadian international Gabby Senft.

Senft will link up with her new teammates following the conclusion of the WXV1 tournament, with the Canadian international back-row eager to make an impact in North London.

Having had previous experience playing in England, Senft admits she’s excited to be back in the UK, at a club that she feels will be a place where she can develop as a player.

“I’ve been from England to France and now back to England! I’m excited for this journey with Saracens and I think it’s going to be a good fit for me as a player.”

Senft arrives having played for Canada in the Rugby World Cup and she was also part of the triumphant Stade Bordelais side who secured the Elite Feminine 1 title in France last season.

She has previous experience in England as well, having previously played for Exeter Chiefs, where she made 15 appearances and won two Allianz Cup titles, as well as playing for Bristol Bears.

Director of Rugby Alex Austerberry is delighted to have secured the services of Senft, who will add further competition in the Saracens back-row.

“Gabby is an exciting back row who has experienced rugby in this league before and is hugely experienced on the international stage.

"She’s busy and exciting in the loose, yet confrontational. I’m looking forward to seeing how her game can take us to next level.”

Saracens Women are also delighted to confirm that back-row Sharifa Kasolo has signed a new deal to stay in North London.

After a breakthrough campaign in 202223 that saw her named as Players’ Player of the Season, Kasolo continued to impress in her second season at Saracens, earning her first England training camp call-up in the process.

The dynamic flanker has made 43 appearances in black and red, quickly establishing herself as one of the most dynamic ball carriers and physical tacklers in the league.

Director of Rugby Alex Austerberry is thrilled that Kasolo has committed her future to his side.

“Sharifa has quickly established herself as one of the most destructive back rows in the league. She’s physical, explosive and has a real impact in collisions around the park. She has the potential to have a huge influence on games and I look forward to seeing where her work rate and ability can take her this season.”

Kasolo herself is focusing on how she can continue to develop as a player.

“My biggest focus this year is how can I keep up scaling up as player to ensure I contribute towards Saracens’ successes. I hope my efforts really play a part in facilitating this side to come away with a title at the end of the year.”