England’s Maggie Alphonsi returns for Saracens

The English Women’s Premiership kicks off this weekend with an array of World Cup stars returning to league action.

Following England’s historic 21-9 World Cup final win over Canada last month, the Premiership is now the place to see these stars in action.

Reigning league champions Richmond, who took the title by a whisker last season in the final round, kick off their campaign against Bristol at the Athletic Ground on Sunday. Star players include Emma Croker, lock Becky Essex and centre Claire Allan who all starred in the World Cup final.

Saracens, who’ll be looking to avenge missing out on the title last season by just one point, will be led by England stalwart Margaret Alphonsi. Alphonsi, after amassing 74 caps for England, fully plans to spend this season leading Saracens to Premiership victory. Saracens take on Wasps on Saturday at Twyford Avenue Sports Ground.

Worcester, league champions in 2013, will start their new season in style playing after Worcester men at the Sixways Stadium. Playing for the first time ever at the home of the men’s Premiership side they take on Lichfield in a tasty Midlanders clash.

Aylesford Bulls will be hoping their second season in the Premiership will be happier hunting ground for them this term. As newcomers to the league in the 2013-2014 season they struggled to compete picking up just one victory. They are set to play Darlington Mowden Park Sharks on Sunday, a side that boasts World Cup winners Katy Mclean and Tamara Taylor.

Women’s Premiership fixtures:

Saturday, September 13

Wasps v Saracens, KO 2pm Twyford Avenue Sports Ground

Worcester v Lichfield, KO 515pm Sixways Stadium

Richmond v Bristol, KO 2pm Richmond Athletic Ground

Darlington Mowden Park Sharks v Aylesford Bulls, KO 2pm Northern Echo ArenaU