Packer's dream farewell as Saracens win record fourth title

Saracens: (26) 52

Tries: Omokhuale, Packer 2, Gregson, Breach 2, Corrigan, Harrison Cons: Harrison 6

Trailfinders: (0) 14

Tries: Montiel, Burton Cons: Inman, Gallagher

Marlie Packer scored two tries on her final Saracens appearance as the north London side secured a record fourth league title with a comprehensive win over first-time finalists Trailfinders.

The former England captain, who is joining Harlequins next season after nine years with Saracens, grabbed her double in eight first-half minutes of a one-sided Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) showpiece at Twickenham Stoop.

Saracens scored four tries to lead 26-0 at half-time and added four more after the break, with England star Jess Breach's second-half solo effort perhaps the pick of the scores.

Their first PWR title meant they overtake Gloucester-Hartpury as the most successful side in English women's rugby, having won the Premier 15s in 2018, 2019 and 2022.

They were stung by their defeat by Gloucester-Hartpury in last year's final, and have been on a mission to regain the title.

With a side featuring two-time World Cup winner Packer, current world player of the year Sophie de Goede, England's player of the season Zoe Harrison and the league's player of the season Olivia Apps, Saracens outclassed their London rivals in ruthless fashion.

"We were coming here to win it and not be a bridesmaid," said the 36-year-old Packer after lifting the trophy with co-captain Harrison. "We have gone and done that.

"At the end of the game, I had a moment to myself and all the girls came around me. That was it. Bottle that up.

"Nine years and a four-time champion with Saracens. They are all really special."

After achieving the biggest winning margin in a PWR final, director of rugby Alex Austerberry urged his side to dominate the league once again.

"When we were at the top - for slightly longer than Gloucester - you think it is going to continue, but you know the hard work that goes into that," he said.

"Gloucester were superb champions and to win it three years in a row deserves great credit. They raised the bar and this year we have taken it a bit further.

"Now the target is on our back and we have got to make sure we keep pushing it forward as that is what champions do. Gloucester have set a great example."

The outcome of the final was in little doubt after second row Julia Omokhuale's opening try was quickly followed by Packer's close-range double.

Saracens' pack dominated the forward battle and half-backs Apps and Harrison ran the game impressively, moving the ball first right and then back to the left for Sydney Gregson to run over for the fourth try.

Apps also touched down but the try was disallowed by Holly Wood - refereeing the final 86 days after giving birth to daughter Adaline - for a deliberate knock-on by Alysha Corrigan in the build-up.

With Saracens' Gabrielle Senft in the sin-bin for a deliberate knock-on, Trailfinders needed a score before the end of the half, but could not make the extra player count.

Their hopes were well and truly ended just two minutes into the second half as Harrison's deft inside pass set Breach free and the full-back accelerated past two covering defenders to score a brilliant try.

Corrigan went over four minutes later, before Trailfinders finally got on the scoreboard thanks to a try by Maya Montiel.

Apps and De Goede then combined to tee up Harrison, who fended off two attempted tackles to score her first Saracens try of the season.

Packer was sent to the sin-bin for kicking the ball away and although her absence helped Abi Burton secure Trailfinders' second try, that was as good as it got for the league's up-and-coming side.

Breach scored her second try minutes before the final whistle, sparking emotional celebrations for the champions and their departing star Packer.

"I am going to miss everything, I can't pin it down to one thing," she added. "The people, the changing room, and the whole aura of Saracens.

"I am excited to now take myself outside of my comfort zone."

England fly-half Harrison paid tribute to Packer's contribution.

"She is going to be someone that we will miss and maybe wish she wasn't leaving," she said. "She has been a big part of my Saracens career and is a great leader."

Trailfinders, who only joined the league in 2023, recruited 19 players this season, including England captain Meg Jones, Scotland skipper Rachel Malcolm and New Zealand internationals Alana Borland and Georgia Ponsonby.

Having finished sixth and seventh in their first two seasons, the ambitious west London club beat league leaders Gloucester-Hartpury to secure their place in the play-offs and then repeated that victory in the semi-finals.

They had never beaten Saracens in eight matches, suffering two heavy defeats this season, but Barney Maddison's side had belief they could end that dismal record given their encouraging form since the turn of the year.

They showed plenty of heart and determination but the gulf in experience was clear as Saracens, who finished 25 points ahead of them in the regular season, dominated.

"At times I think we are little bit too nice," said captain Kate Zackary. "We have to take what is already really good and special and be a bit more ego and edgy about it.

"It is a team that is exciting and will continue to grow and become one of the best. Now we have got a target on our backs, we are no longer growing and building from seventh place.

"We are walking away in second place. That is an amazing place to be. We are at the top of the mountain and people will want to take us down."

Saracens: Breach; Corrigan, Hardy, Bridge, Gregson; Harrison (co-capt), Apps; Clifford, Field, Rose, Omokhuale, Royer, Senft, Packer (co-capt), De Goede.

Replacements: Tremelling, Crake, Flanagan, Evans, Cleall, Sellors, MacDougall, Sharp.

Yellow cards: Senft, Packer

Trailfinders: Inman; Laflin, Jones, Cox, White; Gallagher, Norman-Bell; Leatherman, Ponsonby, Montiel, Wassell, Borland, Head, Zackary (capt), Burton.

Replacements: Blanco, Meta, Tuffnail, Taylor, Malcolm, Williams, Bradley, Gallagher.

Referee: Holly Wood