Sophie de Goede aiming for third time lucky in PWR Final

Saracens back row Sophie de Goede is hoping to make it third time lucky when her team take on Trailfinders Women in the Premiership Women’s Rugby Final.

The 26-year-old is in her third season at Sarries but has yet to win a PWR title, despite the club’s illustrious history.

Having just missed out on the trophy at the 2025 Rugby World Cup, Canadian captain de Goede is aiming to end her domestic season differently.

“This is my third season playing at Sarries and I haven't been able to win a Championship yet,” said de Goede.

“Sarries has such a history of winning both on the women's and the men's side, I would be upset with myself to be a player at the club and not contribute to the history of Saracens and bring home some silverware.”

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The North London club reached the final after a nerve-wracking 40-38 win against Exeter Chiefs, which saw Jess Breach score the winning try with just five minutes left.

While de Goede admits it wasn’t Sarries’ best performance, there were plenty of lessons to learn ahead of the PWR final.

“It was a tough game for us,” said de Goede. “I think we went away from some of the tempo, style and decision-making that we've done all season.

“But in that same breath, I think it's important for us that we got that kick in the semis because it has some really good learnings for us.

“The Chiefs played really well, and we were able to squeak out a win due to some individual brilliance. 

“[Jess Breach] is pretty special. I feel like whenever she catches the ball in space, there's a majesty that spreads.”

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De Goede is used to thriving on the biggest stage: she was crowned World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year in 2025 after her brilliant World Cup performance for Canada.

And Canadian influence is embedded into the Saracens side, with seven Canadian players in their squad.

A new addition to Sarries this year was Liv Apps, who was recently crowned PWR Player of the Season.

After Apps' standout year, de Goede only has good things to say about her Canadian teammate.

“I'm not surprised at all,” de Goede said. “I feel like all of us that have played with her and known her for a long time over in Canada knew that she would pop off when she came over here. 

“I'm just grateful that it was at Saracens. She's had a great season and I'm sure she'll finish it in style.”

Another teammate de Goede looks up to is Sarries legend Marlie Packer, who is joining Harlequins at the end of the season after nine years in North London.

Packer has left a lasting legacy at Saracens, and de Goede wants to honour her teammate with the perfect send-off.

“When I first moved here, I was 20 years old and Marlie was so welcoming right off the bat,” said de Goede. “She is a friend and a teammate with so much passion and care.

“She's put so much into this club, and I think it would only be right for us to bring home some silverware in her last game in Sarries colours.”