Second-row Elizabeth Shermer and Canada wing Paige Farries have extended their stay at Sixways as preparations continue ahead of the 2021/22 Allianz Premier 15s season.
The pair join a host of players to have already pinned their colours to Warriors, with the news also coming hot on the heels of the signing of Japan fly-half Minori Yamamoto who joins up with her new teammates this week.
Players’ Player of the Season during the curtailed 2019/20 campaign, Shermer joined the club halfway through the 2016/17 season whilst a student at the University of Birmingham.
Now a science teacher at Pershore High School having completed her PGCE at the University of Worcester, the skilful and athletic lineout specialist is itching to help Warriors improve on their seventh placed league finish last time out.
“I’m delighted to be re-signing with Warriors ahead of the new season,” said Shermer, 23.
“We have a really exciting opportunity to show people what this team is capable of achieving and I can’t wait for the season to start.”
Farries, 26, made the switch to Sixways last summer and has made quite an impression with ball in hand, using her blistering pace to run in five tries. Her pick-up and full-throttle score against DMP Durham Sharks at the turn of the year was arguably the pick of the bunch, while she was also involved in the emphatic team try at home to rivals Bristol Bears back in March.
“I couldn’t be happier to be with Warriors for another season,” said Farries, who has been capped ten times by Canada.
“I’ve seen so much growth in myself and the team already and I can’t wait to see what this season holds.”
Backs and Attack Coach Sian Moore added: “Paige is a refreshing character, with lots of talent. She really found her feet in the Allianz Premier 15s towards the tail end of the season and she’ll be setting her aims even higher this season, especially in the run up to the World Cup.
“It’s great news to have Shermer re-sign with us – she’s a well-liked character within the squad and a gritty competitor who works hard to push herself and others around her.”
Announced as re-signed/signed
Lydia Thompson (England)
Alex Matthews (England)
Jade Shekells
Laura Keates (England)
Alex Callender (Wales)
Vicky Laflin
Flo Long
Lyndsay O’Donnell (Scotland)
Minori Yamamoto (Japan)
Elizabeth Shermer
Paige Farries (Canada)