PWR Final Preview: Gloucester Hartpury v Saracens - Full teams and all your need to enjoy the Final

Lotte Sharp is relishing the chance to play Sunday’s PWR final against Gloucester Hartpury in front of a home crowd at StoneX Stadium.

The Saracens co-captain was part of the side that beat London rivals Harlequins 32-24 in an enthralling semi-final and the winger has her sights set on stopping the West Country outfit from winning an unprecedented hat-trick of PWR titles and winning a first crown since 2022 in front of her loved ones.

This will be the first time that the two teams have met in the final of PWR.

"I'm really excited for the final this weekend,” she said speaking ahead of the final. “It is a huge occasion for the team after a tough season.

“Having a final at StoneX is such a brilliant opportunity to have so many friends, family and Sarries supporters there cheering us on.

“It is going to be great contest in front of a great home crowd."

Saracens director of rugby Alex Austerberry has made one change to his victorious semi-final side from two weeks ago with Gabrielle Senft coming in for Louise McMillan, who drops to the bench and Georgia Evans moving into the second row.

Akina Gondwe and Kelsey Clifford retain their places at loose-head and tight-head props respectively with May Campbell at hooker.

Georgia Evans will take up lock duty next to Rosie Galligan while Canadian Gabrielle Senft, who bagged a brace the last time Gloucester Hartpury visited the StoneX, coming in at blindside flanker.

The rest of the back row is made up of co-captain Marlie Packer at openside flanker and Poppy Cleall rounding at No.8.

The backs remain unchanged with England internationals Ella Wyrwas and Zoe Harrison continuing their 9-10 partnership.

Sophie Bridger, who spent two years at Gloucester Hartpury and won the 2023 PWR final, takes her place at inside centre, with Emma Hardy partnering her at 13.

Sharp will feature on the left of the back three as semi-final scorers Alysha Corrigan and Jess Breach completing the starting 15.

Meanwhile, outgoing boss Sean Lynn believes his side are peaking at just the right time as he names the same starting 15 that beat Bristol Bears 36-20 in his last home game at Queensholm – a moment he holds close to his heart.

“It is so important that you treasure these moments and treasure everything that you have been doing,” he said.  “The last fixture I had in charge of GH at home in front of 7000 people was really special.

“I am really cherishing these moments and very excited going to Saracens.

“Everybody always talks about how important momentum is and I would say we are building that momentum since getting that good win against Exeter at Christmas.

“The energy you will see from us this weekend will be amazing, and it is just about us making sure we can control it.

“[A third title] would mean a lot to everyone. Everybody has worked so hard, and I just hope we can finish it off.”

El Perry and Maud Muir will start either side of Neve Jones in the front row as co-captain Zoe Aldcroft and Sarah Beckett take their places at lock.

The back of the defending champions pack features Kate Williams, Bethan Lewis and Alex Matthews while other co-captain Natasha 'Mo' Hunt starts at Scrum half.

Lleucu George fills the fly half role with Tatyana Heard and Hannah Jones in midfield.

Pip Hendy and Mia Venner take their places on the wings and Emma Sing starts at full back.

The only change Lynn as made sees Ellie Green earn a place on the bench, replacing Millie Hyett, while Kathryn Buggy is set to make her final appearance for the Cherry & Whites as a replacement.

Saracens starting XV: 15. Jess Breach; 14. Alysha Corrigan; 13. Emma Hardy; 12. Sophie Bridger; 11. Lotte Sharp (Co-captain); 10. Zoe Harrison, 9. Ella Wyrwas; 1. Akina Gondwe; 2. May Campbell; 3. Kelsey Clifford; 4. Rosie Galligan; 5. Georgia Evans; 6. Gabrielle Senft; 7. Marlie Packer (Co-captain); 8. Poppy Cleall. Substitutes: 16. Bryony Field; 17. McKinley Hunt; 18. Carmen Tremelling; 19. Bryony Cleall; 20. Louise McMillan; 21. Tori Sellors; 22. Sarah McKenna; 23. Sydney Gregson

Gloucester Hartpury starting XV: 15. Emma Sing; 14. Mia Venner; 13. Hannah Jones; Pip Hendy; 10. Lleucu George, 9. Natasha 'Mo' Hunt (Co-captain); 1. El Perry; 2. Neve Jones; 3. Maud Muir; 4. Sarah Beckett; 5. Zoe Aldcroft (Co-captain); 6. Kate Williams; 7. Bethan Lewis; 8. Alex Matthews. Substitutes: 16. Gillian Boag; 17. Mackenzie Carson; 18. Kathryn Buggy; 19. Steph Else; 20. Georgia Brock; 21. Meg Davies; 22. Ellie Green; 23 Rachel Lund

HOW TO WATCH

The game will be shown live both on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+, as well as BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and the BBC Red Button.

Among those who will be part of the commentary team on the day are England World Cup winners Katy Daley-Mclean, Emily Scarratt and Rachael Burford.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Joe James will be in the middle for this encounter, ably assisted by Alex Thomas and Calum Howard.

Referee: Joe James

Assistant Referees: Alex Thomas and Calum Howard

TMO: Dan Jones

OVAL INSIGHTS VERDICT

Gloucester Hartpury

• Alex Matthews made more dominant collisions than any other player in the Semi-Finals, a total of nine. She crossed the gainline with 90% of her carries and made 21 tackles.

• Natasha Hunt was the only player who assisted three tries in the Semi-Finals; she has assisted ten tries in her last five appearances and scored three.

• Gloucester Hartpury have averaged the most 22m entries per game (16.7) this season. 41.2% of their rucks have been in the opposition 22m (1st); they’ve had the best ruck success rate (97%) and the second-quickest ruck speed (3.1s)

Saracens

• In the Semi-Finals, Jess Breach made 146 metres (1st), beat nine defenders (1st), made three clean breaks (1st), scored a try and assisted another.

• Kelsey Clifford made more post-contact metres than any other player in the Semi-Finals, a total of 30. She also made 19 tackles and won a turnover.

• Saracens have averaged the most tries (5.7) and points (37.7) per game this season. Zoe Harrison has scored 139 points (2nd) and has had the second-highest goal-kick success rate (75%)

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