Gloucester-Hartpury are Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby champions, with no team able to keep them off the podium for a second consecutive season.
Despite being favourites heading into the match, Gloucester Hartpury trailed Bristol Bears by 17-7 at half-time on Saturday (22 June 2024) – the first time they’d trailed after 40 minutes all season.
Gloucester-Hartpury lock Sarah Beckett was the official player of the match, but the resurgence was spear-headed by the magnificent Bethan Lewis. The Welsh openside’s breakdown work in the second half allowed Gloucester-Hartpury to dominate possession and change the disciplinary picture, too.
After half-time, Gloucester scored five tries in 27 minutes – one was ruled out by the Television Match Official – with Bristol only managing a late consolation through Ella Lovibond.
For all that the first half was undoubtedly Bristol’s, the second was emphatically Gloucester-Hartpury’s. Some heroic Bears defence began the half – particularly Lark Atkin-Davies and Courtney Keight – but once the dam burst, the water gushed. Lleucu George began pulling strings and her two looping passes gave Pip Hendy and Emma Sing tries. Sing converted both from the touchline before later adding a penalty. Mia Venner put daylight between the sides with Jones capping off Gloucester-Hartpury’s purple patch.
The most optimistic of Bears fans may have dreamt of a comeback for the ages but, after a phenomenal first-half effort, they were well beaten. After 80 minutes, the trophy was in the hands of Natasha ‘Mo’ Hunt and Zoe Aldcroft.
Sean Lynn, Gloucester Hartpury head coach said: “I couldn’t be prouder of this squad. The future is looking bright and I’m very happy. We’ve been in some dark places this season, but the big theme today was capitalising on winning moments.
“The big message at half time was to maintain their belief. We just needed to exit a bit more with the ball in hand, and that worked very well. Full credit to Bristol on what was a very good first half, but huge congratulations to our squad and everyone behind-the-scenes who play such a vital role in our success.”
In the end, it was never in doubt, and next season it will take a fabulous side to stop Gloucester-Hartpury from turning this double into a dynasty.
Prof Andy Collop, Vice-Chancellor, Principal and CEO of Hartpury University and Hartpury College said: “Congratulations to Gloucester-Hartpury on another breathtaking victory and hugely impressive season. They are true ambassadors of our formidable rugby pathway and it’s always great to see so many students, staff and alumni playing in the team and working in the all-important support roles.”
The close partnership with Gloucester Rugby has no doubt helped to shape Hartpury’s rugby pathway. Historically, this has provided a route for many talented players to progress into the professional game.
In addition to rugby, eight other competitive Sports Academies provide students with the chance to train and compete in sports including netball, football, futsal, equine, golf, and more.
Student athletes train within an elite sporting environment while studying A-levels, diplomas and degrees as they progress along the much-celebrated dual career pathway that’s produced 250 international athletes over the past 15 years and results in high graduate employability among sport students of 97% (Graduate Outcomes 2024, reflecting 2022 graduates).
Last year, Hartpury University was awarded the prestigious triple Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023).
Hartpury University also ranks 6th in the UK and 1st in the South West for Teaching Quality, according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
