Akina Gondwe signs new deal as Charlotte Wright-Haley heads to North London

Saracens Women can confirm that prop forward Akina Gondwe (above) has signed a new deal with the club ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Having arrived last season from Warriors Women, Gondwe quickly established herself as a key member of Alex Austerberry’s squad, with her performances seeing her named as Players’ Player of the Season.

A dynamic and explosive prop, Gondwe crossed for four tries in an impressive debut season in North London, with plenty more to come next season.

“I’m happy to be going into another season at the club. I’ve enjoyed myself since I arrived last October, and I think my game has developed as a result. I’m excited for the upcoming season ahead with some amazing players.”

Director of Rugby Alex Austerberry is thrilled that Gondwe has committed her future to the club.

“Akina is a very experienced player at premiership level with the potential to go even further. She showed in first season at the club just how great an asset she is for us and I look forward to seeing her grow and learn in the years to come.

Saracens have also confirmed the arrival of back-row Charlotte Wright-Haley from Trailfinders Women.

The former Bristol and Worcester back-row is a dynamic and physical player with an eye for a break through the middle of the park, alongside her ability at the breakdown.

Wright-Haley will be hoping to bring a real energy to the Sarries back-row and she explained that she wanted to test herself in a world-class environment.

‘I’m really excited about my opportunity to be a part of the Saracens legacy. I have a lot of admiration for the club and especially how driven all the players and staff are. I’m looking forward to pushing myself in a professional environment surrounded by world class players.”

Director of Rugby Alex Austerberry is thrilled to have secured the services of Wright-Haley.

“Charlotte is a player we have admired for a while. She’s a brilliant ball carrier and works incredibly hard around the pitch. Having suffered a setback with injury last season, I know that she will want to make an impact this season and I have no doubt that she will be able to get the best out of herself in our environment.”