Marlie Packer joins Halequins

Harlequins Women are thrilled to confirm the signing of 2025 World Cup winner Marlie Packer.

One of the most decorated players in the game, Packer will move to West London ahead of the 26/27 season from North London rivals Saracens.

Packer arrives in South West London with a glittering career at both international and Club level.

The back-rower is one of just a handful of English players to be a two-time World Champion, having been part of both the 2014 and 2025 World Cup winning squads. Packer also received an OBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours List earlier this year.

Packer has 116 Red Roses caps to her name and sits second on her country’s all-time try-scoring list, with 59 tries from the backrow.

The Red Roses captain from 2023-2025, Packer was named as World Player of the Year in 2023 and has also won ten Six Nations titles during her career, as well as a brace of WXV1 titles.

At Club level, Packer has played for North London side Saracens since 2017, scoring 90 tries in 119 appearances and winning three Premier15s titles. Prior to moving to North London, Packer had spells with Bristol and Wasps.

Known for her leadership on and off the field, alongside her physicality and tenacity on the pitch, Packer’s arrival is a huge coup for Harlequins.

The backrow forward was the top try-scorer in the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations with seven tries and has crossed for five tries in the PWR this season, helping her Club secure a home semi-final.

Speaking after her move to Harlequins was confirmed, Packer expressed her excitement at making the move across London.

“This is a new chapter and one that I am really excited for - the squad is really exciting! There are some young, talented players here and the backrow is also exceptional, with the likes of Aoife Wafer. Being able to play alongside those players is something I am really looking forward to. This can be a very competitive team, and my aim is to help Harlequins get back into the top four.”

Packer also highlighted the importance of conversations with Ross Chisholm in making her decision.

“Ross came into Red Roses camp earlier this season. He said afterwards that he could see me and hear me leading, guiding players and performing at the top of my game. It was really nice to have someone who hasn’t coached me before speaking that highly of me and valuing what I bring on and off the pitch. I’m really looking forward to working with Ross and the rest of the coaching team.

“This is the right move and the right club for me. I’m excited to be here with the incredible fanbase that this club has. I love how this club approaches Women’s match days. The Friday night matches and those Saturday fixtures are real occasions, and the crowd here really get behind the side.”

Head Coach Ross Chisholm was also delighted to confirm the arrival of Packer, highlighting the leadership she will bring to his side.

“Marlie is one of the most decorated players in the game and has been one of the very best in the world for many years. We’ve seen throughout her career how much leadership and hunger she brings to any side that she plays for. I thought Marlie was outstanding during the Six Nations and has been hugely impressive this season in the PWR as well.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that she is joining Harlequins and I have no doubt that the whole squad, including our highly rated young players will learn a huge amount from a player of Marlie’s calibre. I know that she is going to add a tremendous amount to our squad both on and off the pitch and I am looking forward to working with her.”