Warriors Women have signed Bristol Bears Women pair Amelia Buckland Hurry and Flo Long ahead of the 2020/21 Tyrrells Premier 15s season.
Second-row Buckland Hurry played under Jo Yapp for England Academy as well as gaining selection for the Barbarians last year, while talented prop Long is capped four times by England U20s having played against the Army, France, Canada and the USA.
“I’ve been lucky enough to work with Jo on some national academy camps and I loved her attention to detail, not to mention her passion for the game,” said Buckland Hurry, 26.
“I can’t wait to work with her at Worcester and really develop my game in what is a very competitive Tyrrells Premier 15s competition.”
Buckland Hurry spent seven seasons at Bristol, leading them to two top six finishes during her time as captain. Relishing the defensive side of the game, the skilful lock gives Warriors a new dimension at the set-piece.
Long, 19, came through Bristol’s Centre of Excellence, making her first team debut as a back-row aged just 17. Part of the England Talent Development Group between 2015-2018, Long represented England U18s and went on to play alongside Warriors prop Akina Gondwe for England U20s.
She said: “I’m really excited to be part of the Warriors set-up next season. The coaches and players are all equally driven and passionate, with an abundance of talent, and I can’t wait to grow with the club in the coming year.”
Academy Forwards Transition Coach and Warriors Women Forwards Coach Mike Hill added: “I’m really excited about Amelia joining us next season as she will bring a different dynamic to the pack, which will be brilliant in helping us develop as a group.
“Having watched her footage, she is an athletic and imposing second row, who enjoys the set-piece and will add to the strength we already have in that position. Having spoken with the other coaches, she is a great character who will fit in well within the environment that Jo is developing at Warriors.
“Flo joined us for a short period before lockdown and she immediately fitted in to the environment and developed a good rapport with both the players and staff.
“She is hungry to develop and improve herself – I’m delighted that she has decided to join us next season. I’m excited to see how far Flo can progress at Warriors and having World Cup-winning prop Laura Keates to help mentor her, will be massive for her development.”