EXPERIENCED internationals Lyndsay O’Donnell and Carys Phillips have re-signed with Warriors Women for the 2020/21 Tyrrells Premier 15s season.
Leading from the front, Warriors Women captain O’Donnell played a key role in helping her side notch up three home wins on the spin last season – a run which coincided with a well-earned try bonus point against reigning Premier 15s champions Saracens at the turn of spring.
“I’m really excited to be committing to Warriors for what is sure to be another great season,” said the 26-year-old back-row.
“We made really good progress last season, which has laid the platform for us to really build on things when Tyrrells Premier 15s rugby returns.”
Phillips, who also has international pedigree having been capped 51 times by Wales, has proved a key addition to the Warriors front row since making the move to Sixways last December.
“It’s a great culture and environment to be part of and I’m really excited to see how far we can grow as group,” said Phillips, 27.
“I’ve really enjoyed playing for Warriors Women and I’ve been impressed with the way in which there is a one-club family mentality at Sixways as we strive for success.”
O’Donnell has represented Scotland 15 times and was part of the Warriors Women side that won the Premiership in 2013. Currently working as a chartered physiotherapist at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, the Stirling-born second-row is helping to identify Covid-19 patients who need extra help breathing.
Meanwhile, Phillips who has featured in two World Cups and seven Six Nations campaigns, comes from a big rugby-playing family.
Her father Rowland Phillips and grandad Brian Thomas both represented Wales and Neath and it was their achievements which gave Phillips the inspiration to start playing rugby aged just eight at her local club Skewen.
From there, she headed to Neath and then Swansea Ladies, prior to teaming up with former Wales team-mate and current Warriors Women lead coach Sian Moore.