GLOUCESTER-HARTPURY
DISCUSSION POINTS
No team has been as active in recruiting top-quality talent as Gloucester-Hartpury. Sean Lynn’s phone must be red-hot as he seemed to secure a new player every week. Notable additions include Alex Matthews, Siwan Lillicrap and Sam Monaghan. Add those to an already impressive squad featuring seasoned pros like Natasha Hunt and exciting youngsters such as Emma Sing, and it’s a recipe for excitement!
With plenty of full-time England internationals and several other players being given contracts, don’t be surprised to see a more focused outfit this season.
KEY PLAYER
There are so many choices but when the reigning World Player of the Year is in the team it’s hard to look elsewhere. Zoe Aldcroft is superb; whether deployed at lock or at six, her work-rate in defence is exceptional. She’s increasingly making breaks and leading the team in attack too. Softly spoken off the pitch, once she’s on it she’s a true warrior!
ONE TO WATCH
Maud Muir. The versatile front-row forced her way into the England conversation while at Wasps and is still at the start of her career with so much room to grow. Comfortable on either side of the scrum and a battering ram in the loose, she will no doubt become a regular in cherry and white.
WHAT’ S REALISTIC?
With the squad Lynn has assembled, the sky should be the limit. Anything less than top four will be seen as failure and not making it to the final should be considered a disappointment too. They may not quite be ready to lift the trophy this season but expect them to be in contention until the dying seconds.
FAN’ S VIEW
LizzieGayle: “I don’t think it’s ever been so exciting to be a Gloucester fan. The men’s team are doing well and GloucesterHartpury have made exciting signings. I can’t wait to see how the team comes together; they’ll be a match for anyone.”