“I’ve got a smile on my face every time I play” - Harlequins rising star Sarah Parry
Parry in action for Harlequins in the PWR
©Harlequins/ Shutterstock
Sarah Parry is one of the most exciting centres in Premiership Women's Rugby.
The 21-year-old, who plays for Harlequins Women, has been lighting it up on the pitch this season and was called up to the Red Roses training squad earlier this year.
Parry was born in mid-Wales on a farm, but rugby was always a big part of her life growing up.
“I grew up in mid-Wales with my two big brothers,” she tells TRU. “They always played. I got stuck in straight away with them.
“We’d always be passing a ball on the farm, kicking the ball about constantly. I then moved to Shrewsbury and that’s where I carried on my love for rugby.
“I played for Worcester Warriors before the club went under, unfortunately. However, one of the coaches there moved to Harlequins, and I then joined the set up. I’ve never looked back and I'm loving it.”
Despite Harlequins losing their last four games - including last Friday’s 43-33 defeat to Loughborough Lightning - Parry, who scored in that match, continues to play a pivotal role in attack and is really enjoying her second season in Quins colours.
“I absolutely love it,” Parry adds.
“As you’re asking me the question, I’ve got a smile on my face responding to you.
“The girls I have around me are amazing. The coaches are also incredible. They challenge me so much. They’re always asking questions and trying to get the best out of me, which you can’t really complain about, can you?”
Speaking about the improvements she is focusing on at Harlequins, Parry added: “I’ve tried to work on being more of a playmaker at Quins.
“I’m trying to see how I can get my hands on the ball and give the ball to the wingers and back three. They are deadly when they get the ball, so it’s about how I can be the most effective with that.”
This season, Parry has played a lot of minutes alongside England World Cup winner Ellie Kildunne and Spanish international Clàudia Peña.
Parry has formed an exciting partnership with Peña, and combined well with Kildunne, and their growing chemistry on the pitch has helped create fluid attacking phases and dangerous moments out wide.
“It’s so much fun playing with Ellie and Claudia,” Parry continues. “We have the best time in training.
“When we play, we always have smiles on our faces, which is what you want really. Then you can learn so much off them, and you can enjoy being part of it as well. I’ve got a smile on my face every time I play."
Parry was included in the Red Roses’ first training camp of 2026, and as England boss John Mitchell prepares to announce his squad for the upcoming Guinness Women's Six Nations, she reflects on her experience back in January.
“It was immense,” Parry, who has also represented England Under-20s, tells TRU. “In that camp, there was a lot of reflection from the girls winning the World Cup and hearing their stories about how it was.
“I just heard about it from the outside, so to be able to hear what it was like in camp was class. They are striving to be better. They’ve won the World Cup, but it’s about how can we add to that environment and be even better than before.
“I think all of them want to be the best players they can be and they work so hard for each other. Even to be in that environment and be the best I can is very exciting. I’m really looking forward to what’s next to come.”
The PWR has been particularly competitive this season, highlighted by Harlequins’ position in the table.
Their recent run of defeats has left them just five points ahead of seventh-placed Loughborough, having played a game more.
With that in mind, Parry is hoping her team can return to winning ways in upcoming matches against Trailfinders Women and Bristol Bears before the Six Nations.
“It’s massive because the top four is so close. To get wins at the moment, it just secures you in that top four.
“I think we’ve been really good at times, but our defence has really let us down.
“We’re just trying to build on each game and be better week in, week out. Every training session we get to be part of, we’re learning and trying to improve.”
