Warriors Women have ended a busy month by securing the services of Coaches’ Player of the Season Taz Bricknell and former England Under-20s fly-half Sarah Nicholas.
Bricknell, 22, was an integral member of Warriors’ set-up during the 2019/20 campaign, her dedication in training bearing fruit come the weekend as she underlined her growing credentials with a series of impressive displays.
Nicholas, 24, has also had a positive impact since making the switch to Sixways from Gloucester-Hartpury last autumn and will be itching to get back to her goal-kicking exploits when rugby resumes.
“Worcester has such a special place in my heart,” said Bricknell, who has five England Under-20s caps to her name.
“I’m honestly so excited to get back to the girls and the coaching staff as I truly believe that we have such an exciting season ahead of us.”
Nicholas, who played football for Aston Villa Ladies Under-14s and Under-16s, added: “I’m so excited for the challenge ahead next season. We finished last season on such a high and we are already in such a good place going into next season.”
Normally a back-row, Bricknell has shown incredible versatility this past season, filling in at scrum-half alongside Nicholas at the heart of the backline in Warriors’ final two matches of the season.
Bricknell first picked up a rugby ball at the age of four and then played for Sheppey RFC and Aylesford Bulls, before making her mark for Medway Under-18s.
The Kent-born talent moved to Gloucester-Hartpury College where she combined her studies with her passion for rugby and went on to be included in the 2016/17 England Talent Development Group.
“Taz has developed so much over the last few seasons,” said Warriors Women Director of Rugby Jo Yapp.
“Originally playing scrum-half in the Under-20s, she has gone from strength-to-strength in the back-row. Her work ethic and commitment has been fantastic and we are all really pleased that she is remaining with the club.”
Nicholas has been playing rugby since the age of six, the number-ten progressing through the age groups of Lichfield, before heading down the M5 to Gloucestershire. A British Universities and College Sports champion at 7s and 15-a-side for the University of Gloucester, Warriors Women Lead Coach Sian Moore is delighted to have Nicholas on board next season.
She said: “Sarah has made a positive impact on our backline having only joined us mid-way through the season. She’s a smart player with a wide skill-set and she has the versatility to also play full-back – we’re looking forward to seeing her make an impact.”