Pip Hendy: PWR victory would be fitting Sean Lynn farewell

Pip Hendy may have enjoyed a meteoric rise with Gloucester-Hartpury but she is keeping her feet firmly planted on the ground ahead of this Sunday's PWR final.

Two years ago, Hendy was on the fringes of the first team before a run of impressive performances in the PWR UP series fast-tracked her to the starting XV, eventually helping the Circus claim back-to-back PWR titles after a 36-20 defeat of Bristol Bears in 2024.

A record-breaking third title awaits Gloucester-Hartpury should they emerge victorious over Saracens at StoneX Stadium next weekend, at a time when interest in the sport is set to skyrocket with England due to host the World Cup later this year.

“I definitely think this season has been a huge movement, it has definitely changed because last season we didn't have that many people coming to watch or following,” she said.

“It's a huge opportunity because there's so many other people that could be in my place and there are people in my place, too, at Gloucester-Hartpury.

“It's amazing to be in the final but I can't really describe how it feels until I'm there standing on that pitch.

“It'd be good to win three times in a row and we obviously want to but it's a game, isn't it? It's one of those things where you just have to try your best and be in that moment and see where it takes you.

“At the end of the day, that competitiveness is always going to be there. You're always going to want to win so that's a big drive.

“You're going to want to be the best. If we can do it, we can do it but I don't want to sound arrogant.

“A rugby game's a rugby game. It can either go one way or another and you won't know until that day.

“Everyone will try their hardest and put a team effort in, and if we win, we win. If we don't, then it's because the other team was better.”

Capable of covering multiple positions, the 21-year-old is equally at home on both the wing and outside centre, having taken up the sport early in life.

She said: “My brothers played it. I was on the sideline and then basically my mum was like, Pip, you go, have a go. And then ever since then, I was four, I was just doing cartwheels on the pitch basically, making daisy chains. The typical thing you do when you watch your brother. I was on and then played and carried on so I literally haven't stopped.

“I just enjoy it. I'm not a super angry person and I generally just enjoy throwing a ball around and playing in a team environment.”

Gloucester-Hartpury's date with Saracens will mark Sean Lynn's last game in charge of The Circus before he takes charge of Wales.

And while Lynn's farewell will come too soon for the Gloucester-Hartpury faithful, Hendy paid tribute to the departing head coach for his inestimable influence across his six years in the West Country.

She added: “Sean's just a little legend, honestly. His coaching style challenges us but then he's not someone I don't want to come to and talk to.

“The whole dynamic of the team is down to his coaching style and how the whole team, managers, staff and everyone is and I think that has a big impact.

“All of the girls are amazing, honestly. The big names like Mo [Hunt], Tat [Heard] and then Hannah Jones is one of my little besties.

“Everyone is so welcoming, and you just want to be there. You'll do something and they'll laugh with you. Sometimes they laugh at you, but in a funny way. It's not serious and they don't judge you. It's not something like, 'Oh, I'm such a weirdo, like, why did I just do that?'

“They make you feel loved and welcomed.”