WORCESTER Valkyries have strengthened their squad with six internationals.
Winger Lydia Thompson, a double try-scorer in the 2017 World Cup final against New Zealand, returns after a spell with the England sevens programme.
Thompson, 26, brings a huge amount of top-level experience to Roy Davies’ young Tyrrells Premier 15s League squad.
She said: “I’m really excited to play at Worcester this season and to be on the pitch with some incredibly talented up-and-coming players. I have so many happy memories at Worcester and owe the club a lot for where I have got to with my rugby career.
“I remember turning up when I was 18 and being inspired by the likes of Kat Merchant, Nolli Waterman, Rochelle Clarke, Donna Kennedy and Karen Jones to name a few.
“I learnt a lot from them on and off the field and am incredibly grateful for the time they took in helping me develop.
“I hope I can continue with their work by helping the younger players at the start of their Premiership rugby journeys.”
England tighthead prop Laura Keates is back after missing last season through an injury picked up in World Cup preparations.
National under 20s scrum-half Brooke Bradley, 19, has joined from Bristol Bears and will study at the University of Worcester.
Ex-Valkyries lock Stacey Maguire returns after a season at Lichfield and former club captain Lisa Campbell is back too following a term off due to work commitments.
Scotland international centre Hatty Cumber joins from Kenilworth.
Davies’ side start at Darlington Mowden Park Sharks on Saturday, September 8.
Their first home game is against Richmond on September 22.
TYRRELLS PREMIER 15S FIXTURES
Saturday 8 September | Darlington Mowden Park Sharks vs Worcester Valkyries | 5pm
Saturday 15 September | Saracens Women vs Worcester Valkyries | 2.30pm
Saturday 22 September | Worcester Valkyries vs Richmond Women | 2pm
Saturday 29 September | Wasps Ladies vs Worcester Valkyries | 2pm
Saturday 13 October | Worcester Valkyries vs Harlequins Ladies | 2pm
Saturday 20 October | Gloucester-Hartpury Women vs Worcester Valkyries | 4.30pm
Saturday 27 October | Worcester Valkyries vs Bristol Bears Women | 2pm
Saturday 3 November | Loughborough Lightning vs Worcester Valkyries | 12pm
Saturday 24 November | Worcester Valkyries vs Firwood Waterloo Ladies | 2pm
Saturday 1 December | Worcester Valkyries vs Saracens Women | 2pm
Sunday 9 December | Richmond Women vs Worcester Valkyries | 3pm
Saturday 15 December | Worcester Valkyries vs Wasps Ladies | 2pm
Saturday 22 December | Harlequins Ladies vs Worcester Valkyries | 1.30pm
Saturday 12 January | Worcester Valkyries vs Gloucester-Hartpury Women | 2pm
Saturday 19 January | Bristol Bears Women vs Worcester Valkyries | 2.30pm
Saturday 26 January | Worcester Valkyries vs Loughborough Lightning | 2pm
Saturday 23 March | Firwood Waterloo Ladies vs Worcester Valkyries | 12.30pm
Saturday 30 March | Worcester Valkyries vs Darlington Mowden Park Sharks | 2pm
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