Best Player: Liv Apps Takes Top Honour
Liv Apps has been named the PWR player of the season after an outstanding campaign with Saracens. The scrum-half formed a formidable partnership with fly-half Zoe Harrison, driving Saracens to the league title. Her consistency and game management earned her the league's highest individual accolade.
Meg Jones, the England captain, secured second place after steering Trailfinders to their first PWR final. Her powerful running lines, defensive resilience, and leadership were instrumental in the club's historic season. Alex Matthews of Gloucester-Hartpury came third, with her influence underlined by the team's struggles during her injury absence.
Biggest Fumble: Captains Left Without Contracts
Two of the league's most respected leaders, Marlie Packer and Kate Zackary, were not offered new contracts by their clubs. Packer, co-captain of Saracens, will join rivals Harlequins next season after being told she was not part of Saracens' plans. Zackary, Trailfinders' captain, also learned her deal would not be renewed, with her next destination yet to be announced. Both players are in top form, and their departures have been widely criticised as missteps by their former employers.
Best Social Media Content
Saracens embraced their role as the league's villains, producing engaging content that sparked reactions. One standout moment came when the social team asked players for their favourite thing about Gloucester; Julia Omokhuale replied, "That we're going to beat them," though Gloucester won the match. Gloucester's "blindside date" series, inspired by Amelia Dimoldenberg's Chicken Shop Date, saw players trying to make each other laugh. Bristol Bears also impressed with their creative signing announcement for Ellie Kildunne, featuring a dramatic reveal.
Best Coach: Alex Austerberry Leads Saracens to Glory
Saracens head coach Alex Austerberry guided his team to the PWR title with only two league defeats, both against Gloucester-Hartpury. His strong rapport with players, including writing personal notes, has been key. Barney Maddison of Trailfinders earned second place for building a competitive squad in just their third season. Steve Salvin of Exeter took third after improving from fifth place to within touching distance of the final.
Biggest Shocks: Gloucester's Collapse and Bristol's Struggles
Gloucester-Hartpury were unbeaten before the Women's Six Nations break but lost every game afterward, including a semi-final defeat to Trailfinders. Injuries to Mo Hunt and Alex Matthews, plus Zoe Stratford's pregnancy, left the three-time champions unable to maintain their form. Bristol Bears, a regular top-four side, finished eighth with only six wins from 16 matches, though their second-half improvement offers hope. The final itself was also a disappointment, as Saracens dominated first-time finalists Trailfinders, producing a one-sided contest.
Best Signing: Liana Mikaele-Tu'u
New Zealand international Liana Mikaele-Tu'u made a huge impact at Harlequins after joining in October. In 13 appearances, she won the club's player of the year award and left a "lasting impression" on the squad before departing in March.
Improvements Needed: Expansion and TMO Coverage
The league needs to expand to 10 teams to eliminate bye weeks, with Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and clubs like Bath expressing interest. Television match officials are currently only used for TNT Sports broadcasts (one game per round), and financial constraints prevent wider implementation. Advocates argue that full TMO coverage is essential for the world's top women's club competition.
