Promising front-rows Abi Castle and Penina Turova have signed for Warriors Women ahead of the 2020/21 Premier 15s campaign.
Former Gloucester-Hartpury prop Castle, 24, and 20-year-old Turova bolster Warriors’ pack on the back of recent additions Philippa Rawbone and Charlotte Wright Hayley.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity Jo Yapp and the coaching team have given me,” said Castle, who can play at either loose-head or tighthead.
“I’m so excited to be stepping up to this level with such a welcoming team at Sixways.”
Fijian-born loose-head prop Penina, who is currently undertaking a course in adult nursing at the University of Worcester, added: “It’s a whole new level of rugby for me and I can’t wait for the challenges ahead.
“I’m so grateful for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to seeing what the season has in store for us as a team.”
Castle began playing rugby when she was 10-years-old for her local side Solihull Bees and got the rugby bug whilst at Harpury University where she studied Animal Science.
A strong ball-carrier, away from rugby, Castle runs a large horse yard in Warwickshire where she trains horses up to compete in eventing at international level.
Academy Forwards Transition and Warriors Women Forwards Coach Mike Hill said: “Abi showed a great attitude at the trials and she really applied herself to everything we asked of her.
“She has shown that she is a good learner, who wants to get better. She has great potential and she can now settle down and focus on developing her positional skills.”
Penina started her journey with Northern Irish side Lisburn Ladies in 2017 and was a cornerstone of the Worcester University pack last season. A talented netballer before taking up rugby over a year ago, Penina has a bright future ahead of her according to Head of Women’s Development Benny Williams.
“We first watched Penina at a University of Worcester game and she really impressed us,” said Williams.
“She has raw potential and she’s a great girl to have in the group – she’s always got a smile on her face. Penina has so much potential and we’re looking forward to helping her develop.”