Gloucester-Hartpury return to action tomorrow, when they host Saracens in the semi-final of the Allianz Cup at the Alpas Arena in Hartpury.

Forward, Maya Learned, says it’ll be a tough encounter.

“Saracens are a fantastic side, they’re clinical in everything they do and if they get an opportunity, they take it and usually come away with points.

“So they’re a great side but if we can shut them down early then we’ll have a really good shot.”

Last time the two sides met, Saracens claimed a 27-36 win over Gloucester-Hartpury at Kingsholm in March. Learned says they’re looking to get one back on the London side.

“The last time we played Saracens still stings a little bit so we’re excited to go out and hopefully put some things right.”

Gloucester-Hartpury have over 20 players away on Six Nations duty, and Learned says she’s been enjoying watching her teammates tear it up on international duty.

“I don’t know exactly how many players we have away but it’s a lot. They’ve been doing fantastic things for all their countries and watching them in this Six Nations has been class.”

But Learned is impressed with the talent still at the club and says the strength in depth is a real positive.

“There’s still just so much depth which shows the strength of the whole programme.

“It’ll be a slightly different team to the last time fixture against Saracens, but everybody is ready to go and it’s a massive opportunity for everybody to put their hands up.”

The USA international thinks the strength in depth is pushing the whole squad to improve.

“There’s tons of talent throughout the squad, this is a really good shot for those girls to secure their jersey for the Prem so there’s some extra motivation for the girls.

“It’s all about competition in the squad, everybody’s pushing each other to be better so when the girls are putting their hands up it forces the international girls to work just as hard.

“We’re a super close-knit team but that doesn’t stop us from pushing each other.”

I’m thrilled to be back playing with Gloucester and it’s going to be a great day out at the Alpas Arena on Saturday.

With such a long break since their last game, you would have forgiven Gloucester-Hartpury players for easing off. But Learned says the intensity of training has increased in their off-weeks to prepare them for a huge run-in.

“Training has been awesome, and the girls have been working really hard.

“It’s always hard without a game to stay focussed but the girls have been doing a great job.

“We’re definitely excited to get a run out this Saturday though!”

Returning to the Alpas for the first time since 11 March, Learned says the team are excited to be back in front of their home fans.

“I’m thrilled to be back playing with Gloucester and it’s going to be a great day out at the Alpas Arena on Saturday.”

Learned says Gloucester-Hartpury have good shot at overcoming Saracens

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