The 21-year-old says she is ‘very thankful’ to be a part of the reformed England Students Women’s programme as one of Leicester’s new recruits looks to the future with optimism.
After adding another university title to their list of honours, Gloucester-Hartpury turn their attention to the showpiece prize - a third successive Premiership Women’s Rugby crown.
The USA sevens sensation has put pen to paper on a move to Premiership Women’s Rugby and the fervour around her arrival at Bristol Bears - and into the English game - is very much underway.
After starring on the university stage, Russell’s enjoyment for the game didn’t translate into her time with Gloucester-Hartpury but the now Leicester Tigers forward has a smile on her face again.
Links between PWR clubs and University Rugby aren’t uncommon and Manchester Met hope their relationship with Sale can have similar, successful results.
Over the next few weeks, a lot of the attention might be on WXV 1 and England as they look to defend their title but the stakes in WXV 3 are extremely high with spots at next year's World Cup up for grabs.
Exclusive: The Under-20s skipper has led her country superbly and after experiencing the Red Roses environment earlier this year, the Loughborough Lightning star is focused on taking the next steps at her own pace.
Interview: After an injury-hit season last year, the Bristol Bears and Wales star has looked back to her very best. Now Joyce-Butchers is hoping to end the term by helping her side create history in the Premiership Women's Rugby final.
The Spanish international wasn't sure how many opportunities she would get when she arrived in the West Country but Castellucci has certainly contributed to the Cherry and Whites reaching another Premiership Women's Rugby final.
Last month, Sophie de Goede captained her nation to victory against world champions New Zealand but having returned to club duties, the Saracens back-row is targeting domestic success.
Langford is one of Exeter’s rising stars but if her breakout season is to end with a Premiership Women’s Rugby final, the Chiefs will have to exact their revenge on Gloucester-Hartpury.
The 20-year-old winger is thriving at Premiership league leaders Gloucester-Hartpury as well as in the university set-up, where silverware is very much the currency of success in both environments.
