Darlington Mowden Park Sharks are delighted to announce the signings of three Scotland internationals ahead of the upcoming 2019/20 Tyrrells Premier 15s season. Sarah Law, Elizabeth Musgrove and Abi Evans all join the North East club ahead of the third season of the RFU’s new premier women’s competition.

The first of those to join the Sharks is scrum half Sarah Law, who signs after graduating from Edinburgh University. The former Murrayfield Wanderers back was equally pleased to be joining the North East club: “I’m really excited to be joining the Sharks and looking forward to being involved in a club that is clearly growing and looking to be competitive with some of the best club teams in the world.”

The 24 year-old has made 38 international appearances for Scotland, after making her debut against England in 2013. The half back has also been a regular on the 7s circuit, representing both Scotland and GB Students. Asked about her motivations for the switch, Law added: “I had reached the end of my time playing uni rugby and I felt it was time to find a new club where I could challenge myself and improve as a rugby player. I think the current support and the structure at the club sounded ideal in helping me to develop individually and being part of a team who are constantly striving to be better together really appealed to me. I’m looking forward to playing my first season in the Tyrrells Premier 15s and excited to see what we can achieve.”

Another Scottish back making the switch to Premier 15s rugby is Elizabeth Musgrove. After a recent stint in Hong Kong, the young winger returns to the UK and brings further international experience to the squad, and was pleased to be joining the club: “I'm excited to be joining a club with the calibre of Sharks and to share the pitch with some experienced and international players. Hopefully we can continue to build on their successes from last season.”

After making her full international debut last year against Wales, Musgrove has made 7 appearances in the 15-a-side game, after prior experience on the 7s circuit. Ahead of her move to the Premier 15s club, the 22 year-old added: “I wanted to raise the level of my rugby by joining a club that's part of the Tyrrells Premier 15. I'm looking forward to playing some high level rugby in a challenging environment alongside new teammates. Next season I'm hoping that exposure to Premier 15s rugby will allow me to progress as an all-round player, putting me in the best place possible for National selection.”

Fellow winger Abi Evans also joins her fellow internationals in making the switch to Premier 15s rugby. Having just moved to Newcastle to start at degree at Northumbria University Abi is looking forward to the move: “I’m excited for the new challenge. I can’t wait to get started with Sharks!”

The 23 year-old has earned 13 caps for Scotland since her debut against France in the 2015 Six Nations. Another back familiar with the international 7s circuit, Evans was equally ambitious looking ahead to her first season with the club: “The main motivation for signing with the Sharks was to further progress my rugby career by playing at a higher standard week in week out. It’s the perfect time for me to move on and be pushed outside my comfort zone. I’m hoping to develop myself as a player on and off the field, and hopefully offer as much to the club as I can.”

Sharks Head of Programme Justin Loveridge was delighted to be adding further international experience to his squad ahead of the upcoming season: “We’re thrilled to welcome three quality international players to the Sharks. They are all young backs who have already built an impressive CV of international experience, and I’m sure they will bring a lot to our squad next season. We look forward to welcoming them all to the club and watching them develop over the coming seasons.”

All three of the new signings will shortly join up with the Sharks squad as they continue their preparations for the 2019/20 Tyrrells Premier 15s season.

Sarah, Elizabeth and Abi have all signed up for 2019/20 – Have you? You can now join the Mowden Family and purchase your Mowden Memberships online by clicking clicking here.

Photo Credit - SNS/Scottish Rugby