Marlie Packer to leave Saracens

Marlie Packer is synonymous with Saracens, but after nearly a decade in North London, the Red Roses icon will leave Saracens at the end of the season.

The former England captain joined the Women in Black in 2017, and the serial champion has the chance to win a fourth PWR title with Saracens this June.

Ahead of her ninth-consecutive playoffs campaign and final matchday at the StoneX, Packer emotionally thanked those who have made her time at Sarries so memorable.

Packer said: “This club has been a huge part of my life and has given me memories that I will carry with me forever.

“From the friendships made and battles fought on the pitch to the highs of winning three Premiership titles, and hopefully one more, it has been an unforgettable journey.

“I am incredibly proud to have worn this shirt and to have been part of such a special group of players, coaches, staff, volunteers and supporters throughout my time here.

“Leaving was not an easy decision, and I will miss being around the club, the girls and everything that comes with it. I will always look back on these nine years with immense gratitude and pride.”

The back row made her way to the StoneX in 2017 from Bristol Bears, then known as Bristol Ladies, and was part of the squad that won back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019.

Two more finals, with another title, followed after the league’s return from the pandemic, before Packer cemented her position as one of the best flankers in the league.

But the peak of the forward's career has come in the Red Roses shirt, lifting the Rugby World Cup trophy not once, but twice.

Making her international debut at the age of just 19, Yeovil-born Packer captained England from 2023 to 2025, leading England to victory in the inaugural WXV1 tournament.

The 36-year-old, who boasts 116 test caps, was honoured as the World Player of the Year, in the same year she was appointed captain.

Saracens director of rugby Alex Austerberry paid tribute to whom he called 'a trailblazer and advocate for the women's game', with her final home game in black on Saturday 14 June against Exeter Chiefs.

Austerberry said: "Marlie has been an exceptional servant to Saracens and has contributed enormously to the success of the club.

“There have been many great players to represent Saracens and Marlie will undoubtedly be remembered as one of them.

“For much of the last decade, Marlie has been a captain, leader, trailblazer and advocate for the women's game.

"Quite simply, she has embodied what it means to be a Saracen.”