Warriors Women have further strengthened their squad for the 2019/20 Tyrrells Premier 15s season with the signing of three more players including England prop Sasha Acheson.
Acheson, 28, who has five full caps, will join Warriors Women from Gloucester-Hartpury along with full-back Mary-Ann Gittings. Georgie Perris-Redding, a scrum-half or centre, has been recruited from league rivals Firwood Waterloo.
Acheson’s signing will see her link up again with Warriors Women Director of Rugby Roy Davies who previously coached her at Bristol.
‘I’m really excited about joining Warriors Women with its professional environment and excellent support for its players,” Acheson said.
“Their ethos of trying to develop players to be the best they can be, while complementing the team goal of competing at the top of the Tyrrells Premier 15s is really exciting and a key reason for me wanting to be part of their growth.
“The atmosphere at the club is so warm and welcoming, from players through to staff. At this stage in my career it’s time to press the refresh button, and I believe Warriors Women are in an excellent place to do that and see where I can go as a player.”
Gittings had a previous spell at Sixways while she was studying at Cardiff Met University and is looking forward to returning.
“I’m excited to join Warriors Women for this coming season, having last played for Worcester when I was 18,” Gittings said.
“I am looking forward to the new challenges this season will bring. I feel really positive about the playing group here and can’t wait to see where we can push ourselves too.”
Gittings has played for England Under-20s and also had a spell with Bristol before she joined Gloucester-Hartpury four years ago.
“Mary-Ann is an experienced TP15s performer who will be a good addition to our group. She has good pace, comes into the line well and organises well in defence,” Davies said.
“Having coached her in the Gloucestershire county set-up I know what she will bring and I’m glad to get her on board.”
Perris-Redding made 13 appearances for Waterloo last season, including a starring role in their one point victory at Sixways.
“Georgie was one of Waterloo’s best performers last year and when she made contact with us about joining the club I was obviously really keen to sign her up,” Davies said.
“She’s quick and has a real competitive streak when she plays. I think she’ll thrive in our environment and continue to improve as a player.”
The three new recruits takes Warriors Women’s summer signings to eight as they look to build on a positive end to last season when they recorded their first Tyrrells Premier 15s wins in the last two matches of the campaign.