Gloucester-Hartpury head coach Sean Lynn is “really excited” ahead of the Premier Women’s Rugby (PWR) final with Saracens at the StoneX Stadium on Sunday.
If the Cherry and Whites record victory in North London, they will become the first side to win the PWR in three consecutive seasons after victory against Bristol Bears last term and Exeter Chiefs the year prior.
Whilst the stadium for the final is supposed to be neutral, the StoneX was confirmed long before the final was, making the trip more testing for the West Country team as they travel to the home of Saracens.
Lynn said: “The fact that the game will be in Saracens’ back yard makes me even more excited, it does not get bigger than that and it will be a massive challenge. One that we will certainly be up for.”
Gloucester-Hartpury were forced to come from behind in the semi-final against Bristol Bears, going 10-0 down in the opening quarter of the game.
Similarly, Lynn’s side were behind in the final, last term, against the same opposition as Bristol led 17-7 during the interval at Sandy Park.
The Welsh coach doubled down on his comments from last season, supporting his team’s ability to win games late – which may be required this weekend.
He said: “I am always very calm and last year told the girls to believe in themselves at half time but more than that to have belief in the 23 as we have some great players on the bench, which shows the value of our squad.
“I think the crucial thing for us is making sure that we stay in control, it is very likely that there will be dark times and dark moments in games, but the key thing is sticking together as a group and that is something that this team is really good at.”
In the semi-final encounter with the Bears earlier this month, co-captain Zoe Aldcroft scored and was named player of the match.
Once victory was confirmed, Lynn lathered praise on Aldcroft as well as her co-captain Natasha ‘Mo’ Hunt, dubbing them both as crucial players ahead of the final.
Zoe Aldcroft doing Zoe Aldcroft things 👌
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) March 2, 2025
Another big performance from the @gloshartpury co-captain who finishes from close range.#GLOvBRI | #PWR pic.twitter.com/wctLd5bLCx
“They are both unbelievable, I’m all about promoting people to be warrior queens and that is exactly what they are.
“We are lucky to have so many leaders in our team though, we have also got Sarah Beckett, Alex Matthews, Lleucu George and more.
“George especially has got that voice and that territorial game where she can just say bang and the girls follow her.”
The final against Saracens will be particularly poignant for the Cherry and Whites gaffer as it will be his final game at the club.
🚨 𝘾𝙧𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙤 𝙎𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙇𝙮𝙣𝙣 👏
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) January 20, 2025
The WRU is proud to announce the appointment of Sean Lynn as the new Head coach for the Wales Women’s senior side. 🤝#WelshRugby pic.twitter.com/cToTe6dwKu
He said: “I have put my heart and sole into the last five years at Gloucester-Hartpury, my family just love it here; when I talk about inspiring young people, this team has inspired my kids and that is why I think it is so special.”
Gloucester-Hartpury will kick off for Lynn’s swansong game against Saracens on Sunday at the StoneX Stadium at 15:00.
