Another stalwart at the top end of the top flight in elite women’s rugby, Harlequins women will likely represent a stern test for Leicester Tigers women.
The London club became the first team outside of neighbours Saracens to lift the trophy when they triumphed in the 2020/21 season, in no small thanks to two tries in the play-off final by new Tigers signing, Amy Cokayne.
Sarries and ‘Quins contested the first three Premiership finals. They have enjoyed more mixed fortunes in the last two years, however, with last season the first time the club have finished outside the play-off places, ending the season in fifth place.
As such, it’s interesting to view this game through a prism of real intrigue before a ball has been kicked; how will Tigers be faring seven games into a first voyage into the intrepid waters of Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby and will Quins have rediscovered the magic that has lead them to such rich success’ in the past.
Tigers, of course, had a huge influx of players over the summer, with close to thirty players joining the long-term women’s programme, including the sprinkle of stardust with names like Cokayne.
Harlequins are no different, as you’d expect from a city with six major airports, there’s been some huge moves both in an out of London over the summer.
Quins have made some big name signings over the summer, including exciting incomings like Abbie Fleming, Welsh International back-row, and Ella Cromack, a standout for the Red Roses Under-18s.
However, some of the biggest signings have been on renewed contracts, including renewals for the likes of Ellie Kildunne, Lucy Packer, Bryony Cleall and Lagi Tuima and the re-signing of Shaunagh Brown.
These incomings and securing of futures, coupled with the losses of last year’s Supporters Player of the Season Amy Cokayne to Leicester Tigers, Abby Dow to Ealing Trailfinders and Ellie Green to Warriors Women, means Quins are undergoing somewhat of a soft reset going into the 2023/24 season.
That reset has started off well, with two wins from two in the Allianz Cup.
But, when Tigers meet ‘Quins on the weekend of January 6, in Round 7 of Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby, the two sides will be far more established in how their season is to be shaped, how two sides who have undergone significant change have used that platform to springboard into momentum.
The match will also represent opportunity for some thrilling individual clashes on the field.
As this many would expect, based on Tigers established commitment to a full-tilt brand of rugby and Harlequins typical USP of attacking creativity that matches their colourful jerseys, this is likely to be another try-heavy match up.
As such, it’s prudent to start our search for tries in the back-three.
From Harlequins, a key name that stands out is that of Red Roses speedster Ellie Kildunne.
The Red Roses back-three scored 14 tries in just 10 appearances last year; but it isn’t just her electric speed that makes her so dangerous, it’s also her impact in dominating the contact zone, making 53 tackle breaks across those 10 games.
From a Tigers perspective, one of the more immediate comparisons that comes to mind is a winger like Charlotte Daley or Celia Quansah, incredible all-rounders who possess’ both pure power and pyrotechnic pace in equal measure.
But, when looking at the two Allianz Cup games this season, there may emerge a real contrast if Kildunne’s opposite number at 15 is Caz Collie. Although Kildunne is happy to pop up in the attacking line to add an extra dimension, one of Collie’s key strengths is her immense kicking game, a real weapon in open play to pin back the opposition.
Another interesting matchup out wide is that of ‘Quins new star Katie Shillacker and Tigers new signing Francesca McGhie.
Both are wingers who have burst onto the scene over the last year or so, McGhie announcing her arrival with her exceptional international displays while Shillacker has shone in the Allianz Cups initial rounds, with three tries in two matches.
Both possess similar sporting backgrounds and explains their prolificacy in breaking the line: both have backgrounds in ballet, McGhie was even in the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and both have families who love rugby.
Finally, in the centres, there's a clash of centres in Rebecca DeFilippo and Lagi Tuima, whose skill with ball in hand belies their powerful running.
The two are both internationals, for Wales and England respectively, and both are true all-rounders. As well as great hands, both possess skills with their feet, with DeFilippo adept at kicking in open play while Tuima is an expert from the tee, memorably kicking four out of four penalties in the 2020/21 Premiership final to help 'Quins defeat Saracens.
This game is one to mark early on your calendars as, even though it’s shortly after Christmas, it’s one that's sure to be a cracker of a fixture.
Tickets are now on sale to Leicester Tigers first two women's games at Mattioli Woods Welford Road for the 2023/24 season, including our first ever fixture in Premiership Women's Rugby.
Help us make history in our first ever game at the elite level of women's rugby, the first ever Leicester Tigers game at this level!
The match will take place at Mattioli Woods Welford Road in Round 1 of the league, on Sunday, November 19 (kick-off: 3pm).
