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Saracens 52-14 Trailfinders: Marlie Packer helps Saracens win PWR title with big win

Saracens 52-14 Trailfinders: Marlie Packer helps Saracens win PWR title with big win

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.”

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