England internationals Alex Matthews and Lydia Thompson have extended their stay at Sixways Stadium as Jo Yapp’s side gear-up for the 2021/22 Allianz Premier 15s campaign.
World Cup winners Matthews, 27, and Thompson, 29, have just under 90 Red Roses caps between them and bring x-factor to the Warriors set-up.
“The squad has made huge strides both on and off the field, particularly during what was a very challenging season and I’m excited to see where we can go together,” said Matthews, who is set to fly out to Tokyo for the rescheduled 2020 Olympics where she will represent Team GB 7s.
“I’ve loved every minute of my time at Warriors, and it was a no-brainer to re-sign with a club as ambitious as Worcester Warriors.”
World Rugby Team of the Decade inductee Thompson added: “I’m so proud to wear a Worcester Warriors shirt and it was an easy decision for me to sign for another season.
“It’s exciting to be part of a club that is dedicated to growing the women’s and girls game, and I’m inspired by Jo Yapp’s vision for the team.”
Camberley-born back-row Matthews has represented the Red Roses 41 times as well as being a pivotal figure on the sevens circuit, which saw her pick up a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games alongside fellow teammate Thompson.
Making the switch to Warriors last summer, Matthews made 12 appearances for the club during the 2020/21 term in which time she earned further international honours during the Autumn Tests and the triumphant Six Nations campaign.
Athletic, determined and leading by example, Matthews’ supreme form last season culminated in her inclusion in the Team GB 7s squad, with everyone at Sixways wishing her well this summer.
Explosive wing Thompson joins Matthews in inking fresh terms with the Premier 15s outfit, the Red Roses legend now keen to play her part in propelling Warriors to the next level.
Fighting fit after a frustrating injury-hampered season, Thompson was also part of the Red Roses side that secured this year’s Six Nations title, and her experience came to the fore in helping Warriors overcome Bristol Bears on home soil in impressive fashion back in April.
Lightning pace and a hunger to score tries, the Stourbridge-born flyer has numerous team accolades to her name including a 2014 World Cup-winners medal, a 2017 Six Nations Grand Slam winner and the recipient of a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Thompson was in devastating try-scoring form at the 2017 World Cup where she crossed five times in four games, her incredible solo effort against New Zealand inspiring a generation and since then her eye-catching displays continued with an impressive hat-trick against Ireland at Twickenham in autumn 2018.
Warriors Women Director of Rugby Jo Yapp said: “We’re so pleased to have Alex and Lydia re-join us for next season – they are both extremely professional and amazing role models.
“Lydia has been at the club a long time and brings a lot of experience to the team both on and off the field, and Alex has made a massive impact since joining us last year.”