Warriors Women have completed the signings of dual code Wales international Ffion Lewis, Ireland fly-half Ellen Murphy and former Bristol Bears full-back Cat McNaney.
The announcement comes on the eve of Warriors’ home pre-season clash with Bristol Bears, with the trio joining Japan number-ten Minori Yamamoto, USA second-row Alycia Washington and front-row Stef Evans in making the switch to Sixways Stadium ahead of the 2021/22 Allianz Premier 15s season.
Lewis, 25, who embarks on her second stint with Warriors, has 14 Wales caps to her name and began last season strongly in the colours of Exeter Chiefs before she was forced to undergo surgery.
Winning her first international cap against South Africa in 2018, Lewis has also pulled on the Wales sevens jersey – helping her side qualify for the Commonwealth Games the same year.
“I’m really excited to have joined Worcester Warriors and I’m looking forward to working with an all-female coaching team who I know well,” said Lewis.
“The environment has been class, and everyone has made me so welcome – I’m looking forward to seeing how I progress as a player.
“I can’t wait to get the games started now.”
From one international to another, 26-year-old Murphy is part of an Ireland set-up looking to qualify for next year’s rescheduled World Cup in New Zealand.
Making her Ireland bow against England at Twickenham in 2018, Murphy played in two Six Nations and also brings Premier 15s experience to the fore from her time with Gloucester-Hartpury pre-pandemic.
“I’m really excited to be joining Worcester for the upcoming season and I’m looking forward to working with Jo and the rest of the coaching staff,” added Murphy, who makes the move across the Irish Sea to take up a role with Wye Valley NHS.
“I can’t wait to develop myself further as an individual with a really talented squad.”
McNaney rounds off the new additions, the Exeter University graduate a product of the Hartpury College AASE scheme prior to making the step up to senior rugby with Bristol in 2016.
Representing England Under-18s sevens as well as England Under-20s in the 15-aside form, McNaney hopes to add quality to Warriors’ backline.
She said: “The development that Warriors have shown over the last two years under Jo has been excellent and I think we are one of the teams to watch going into the new season.
“I hope to add my style of play to an already exciting back line.”
Warriors Women Director of Rugby Jo Yapp is delighted with her new recruits, adding: “It’s great to have Ffion return to Worcester. She’s a fierce competitor and with both union and league international experience, she’ll bring an extra edge to our squad.
“Cat is such a versatile player and having coached her previously, I’m pleased that she’s chosen to return to rugby especially with Warriors.
“Ellen brings a lot of experience having played Premier 15s and international rugby with Ireland. She’s a very talented kicker and has a great understanding of the game.
“We are really looking forward to seeing all three pulling on a Worcester shirt this season.”
Tickets for tomorrow’s pre-season friendly against Bristol Bears at Sixways are available to purchase online by clicking here.