Saracens have confirmed the departure of England star Holly Aitchison, ahead of the 2023/24 Premiership Women’s Rugby season. The Red Roses fly half has been a mainstay with Sarries since her breakthrough in 2020, and now departs with her future club yet to be confirmed.
Aitchison played for Litchfield and reigning Premier 15s champions Gloucester-Hartpury, before making the move to London ahead of the 2020/21 season. The 25-year-old was a key member of the squad who won the 2021/22 Premier 15s title, and played all 80 minutes of the triumphant 43-21 victory over Exeter Chiefs in the final.
An undeniable fan favourite, Aitchison stepped up to the mark for Saracens following the prolonged injury absence of Zoe Harrison. Harrison ruptured her ACL early in 2022, with Aitchison rising to the occasion, and received a prolonged run in the England squad under Simon Middleton for her efforts. Aitchison played an integral part, as England won the 2023 Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam for the fourth time in a row.
Harrison’s future is as yet unconfirmed, however there is online speculation that the versatile back may be set for a move to Bristol Bears. Aitchison’s partner is England prop Hannah Botterman, who has just made the swap from Saracens to Bristol ahead of the 2023/24 season. Bristol would go far wrong than to bolster their ranks with Aitchison, and bring an experienced winning edge ahead of next season.