Gloucester-Hartpury will be looking to repeat their Allianz Cup triumph over Harlequins, when Sean Lynn’s side face the 2020/21 Premier 15s champions at the Stoop on Sunday.

Lynn has huge respect for Quins, but he’s confident his team can get the job done and open up their lead at the top of the table.

“Harlequins are a good side. They’ve picked up some good wins, especially over the Christmas break. They had a good win over Bristol Bears who are a good outfit themselves. So, we’ve been doing some homework, and everything will be prepped going into that game on Sunday.

“Every game we’re playing we’re just concentrating on us, but first against third it’s always nice to make sure we get the win and make sure they drop the points and not us.”

On the opening day of the 2022/23 season, Lynn’s Gloucester-Hartpury beat Quins 7-43 at Cobham RFC, and the Head Coach says the win set them up nicely for the season.

“Some of the girls played in that game in the Allianz Cup and the momentum we have built from that has been brilliant. Having some of the internationals coming back as well just helps massively.

“Quins will know from that game that we’ll come with a physical edge, a good set piece and we want to play some good rugby as well, so we’re looking forward to it.”

The fixture at the Stoop will be shown live on BBC Red Button and on iPlayer.

Last weekend, Gloucester-Hartpury hosted Loughborough Lightning at the Alpas Arena in Hartpury, and came away 46-12 winners, despite strong defensive resilience from the visitors.

“I think in that first-half, going in 22-12 up against a really strong wind, we just showed a textbook way of how to play in those conditions. The girls attacked well, they kept the ball, and their discipline was outstanding, so very happy with that.

“Full credit to Loughborough their line-out and scrum were very good, and their defence was brilliant for that first half. But we stuck to our processes, and it all came through then in the end.”

Lynn praised the impact of the replacements and says the strength in depth at the club is really helping them turn these hard-fought games in their favour.

“I said to the girls it was a 23-woman effort, and the girls were outstanding and the bench made a huge impact. Maud Muir made a huge impact, Georgia Brock was outstanding and 18-year-old Steph Else went really well.

“It’s lovely to have those options and see the girls really putting their hands up when they get those opportunities.”

Lynn was pleased to be back in front of their home fans at Hartpury last weekend, but is looking forward to his side’s next home game, when they host Sale Sharks Women at Kingsholm, the home of Gloucester Rugby.

“It’s always nice to be back at home at the Alpas and it was lovely on Saturday.

“We’re really looking forward to our next home game against Sale at Kingsholm. Kingsholm is a special place for our girls and they’re really looking forward to seeing plenty of people come and watch that game.”

Tickets for Gloucester-Hartpury’s fixture against Sale Sharks Women at Kingsholm are available here.

Lynn's Gloucester-Hartpury look to extend lead at top of Premier 15s

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