Experienced internationals Lyndsay O’Donnell and Carys Phillips have re-signed with Warriors Women for the 2020/21 Tyrrells Premier 15s season.
Leading from the front, Warriors Women captain O’Donnell played a key role in helping her side notch up three home wins on the spin last season, a run which coincided with a well-earned try bonus point against reigning Premier 15s champions Saracens at the turn of spring.
“I’m really excited to be committing to Warriors for what is sure to be another great season,” said the back-row, 26.
“We made really good progress last season, which has laid the platform for us to really build on things when Tyrrells Premier 15s rugby returns.”
Phillips, who also has international pedigree having been capped 51 times by Wales, has proved a key addition to the Warriors front-row since making the move to Sixways last December.
“It’s a great culture and environment to be part of and I’m really excited to see how far we can grow as group,” said Phillips, 27.
“I’ve really enjoyed playing for Warriors Women and I’ve been impressed with the way in which there is a one club family mentality at Sixways as we strive for success.”
O’Donnell has represented Scotland 15 times and was part of the Warriors Women side that won the Premiership in 2013. Currently working as a Chartered Physiotherapist at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, the Stirling-born second-row is helping to identify Covid-19 patients who need extra help breathing.
Meanwhile, Phillips who has featured in two World Cups and seven Six Nations campaigns, comes from a big rugby playing family. Her father Rowland Phillips and grandad Brian Thomas both represented Wales and Neath RFC and it was their achievements which gave Phillips the inspiration to start playing rugby aged just eight at her local club Skewen RFC. From there, she headed to Neath RFC and then Swansea Ladies, prior to teaming up with former Wales teammate and current Warriors Women Lead Coach Sian Moore.
Delighted to have acquired the services of the duo on the back of the contract extensions of England stalwarts Lydia Thompson and Laura Keates, Warriors Women Director of Rugby Jo Yapp said: “Lyndsay has been a strong leader at Worcester and brings with her a lot of experience.
“She is such a positive person both on and off the field and we are so pleased she is remaining with us.
“Carys joined us this season and she has made a really positive impact – we are excited that she has made the decision to remain at Sixways.”
Warriors Women Scrum Coach Mike Hill added: “Lyndsay is a big presence for us in the pack and as captain she leads by example both on and off the field.
“Her aerial dominance in the game against Harlequins shows her development and I’m excited as she is to see her back on the field playing.
“Carys is an unbelievably skilful footballer and brings a lot of experience to the pack and the team. I have really enjoyed working with her particularly on her set-piece and to see how excited she is to continue her development, shows the character and quality of player she is.”