Players’ Player of the Season Elizabeth Shermer and former England U20 centre Meg Varley are the latest talents to pin their colours to the Warriors Women mast.
The pair, who were an integral part of Jo Yapp’s side last term, are delighted to have extended their stay at Sixways.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have been offered another contract with Warriors and I’m looking forward to seeing what next season brings, both personally and as a team,” said Shermer, a second-row who only started playing rugby at the age of 18.
“I can’t wait to team up with the girls again at Sixways and we’ll continue working hard to experience some exciting times together in the future.
Meanwhile, powerful centre Varley, 20, extends her stay at Sixways having already made 45 Tyrrells Premier 15s appearances since joining the club ahead of the 2017/18 season.
“As a squad we are such a close family of players,” added Varley, who has five England U20 caps to her name.
“When we walk out onto the pitch, we play for the club and each other and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve as a group in the future.
“I’m really excited to be part of this amazing culture for another season.”
22-year-old Shermer joined Warriors Women halfway through the 2016/17 season on the back of a successful year helping the University of Birmingham to promotion to the BUCS Premiership.
Character in abundance, the Hertfordshire-born lock illustrated much promise whilst playing for the development team, and her endeavour was rewarded when she was handed her first team debut when the Tyrrells Premier 15s got underway in 2017.
Shermer was an ever-present in the engine room last season, playing 10 times before the campaign was curtailed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. A skilful and athletic lineout specialist, Shermer will be keen to impress when rugby returns to Sixways.
Varley is an inspiration to many young girls looking to play the game, having often been the only girl at school playing rugby when she was 10. Finding a girls’ team aged 12, Varley’s rugby playing career took off and she joined Worcester Juniors aged 15 where she has been ever since.
Taking her game to new heights, Varley went on to represent England U20s against the Army, France, USA and Canada.
“The game away to France really stands out for me as it was in front of a huge crowd, and then the game against the USA was a really good win for us as it was our first win of the Summer Series,” said Varley, who wore the England jersey with pride alongside fellow Warriors teammates Cara Clarke, Carys Cox, Cara Brincat, Lauren Leatherland, Akina Gondwe and Flo Long.
Playing nine times for Warriors last season, Varley started her side’s final two matches as they defeated Richmond on home soil prior to securing a try bonus point against 2018/19 Premier 15s champions Saracens.
Warriors Women Director of Rugby Jo Yapp said: “We are so pleased that both players have agreed to remain at Worcester. Both are amazing club players who always put the team first.
“Shermer is a big character and someone that has gone from strength-to-strength this season both on and off the field.
“Megan always gives her all in everything that she does, and she is a really consistent performer. We are looking forward to having both players involved with us next season.”