WARRIORS Women have ended a busy month by securing the services of coaches’ Player of the Season Taz Bricknell and former England Under-20s fly-half Sarah Nicholas.
Bricknell, 22, was an integral member of Warriors’ set-up during the 2019/20 campaign – her dedication in training bearing fruit come the weekend as she underlined her growing credentials with a series of impressive displays.
Nicholas, 24, has also had a positive impact since making the switch to Sixways from Gloucester-Hartpury last autumn and will be itching to get back to her goal-kicking exploits when rugby resumes.
“Worcester has such a special place in my heart,” said Bricknell, who has five England Under-20s caps to her name.
“I’m honestly so excited to get back to the girls and the coaching staff as I truly believe that we have such an exciting season ahead of us.”
Nicholas, who played football for Aston Villa Ladies Under-14s and Under-16s, added: “I’m so excited for the challenge ahead next season. We finished last season on such a high and we are already in such a good place going into next season.”
Normally a back-row, Bricknell has shown sought after versatility this past season, filling in at scrum-half alongside Nicholas at the heart of the backline in Warriors’ final two matches of the season.
Bricknell first picked up a rugby ball at the age of four and then played for Sheppey RFC and Aylesford Bulls, before making her mark for Medway Under-18s.
The Kent-born talent moved to Gloucester-Hartpury College where she combined her studies with her passion for rugby and went on to be included in the 2016/17 England Talent Development Group.
“Taz has developed so much over the last few seasons,” said Warriors Women director of rugby Jo Yapp.
“Originally playing scrum-half in the Under-20s, she has gone from strength to strength in the back-row. Her work ethic and commitment has been fantastic and we are all really pleased she is remaining with the club.”