By David Parsons
In the same week in which she became an Olympian, Kayleigh Powell has secured a new deal for next season in the 15-a-side game by signing for Harlequins.
She will play for Quins – whose men’s squad this week recruited Leigh Halfpenny – in the 2024-25 Premiership Women’s Rugby campaign.
The 25-year-old full back went to Paris with Team GB as a reserve for the sevens tournament, but was drafted in to play in the seventh place play-off victory over Ireland.
Wales' Kayleigh Powell has been called up to the Team GB rugby sevens squad.
The reserve – from Church Village – is replacing Grace Crompton, who's injured. pic.twitter.com/hXeYjsGu63
— LBC News Wales (@LBCNewsWales) July 30, 2024
She joined fellow Welsh international Jasmine Joyce in the line-up for that game at Stade de France
Powell has 16 caps to her name since making her debut in 2019. Prior to that she appeared for Wales at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and on the World Sevens Series.
She becomes the third Welsh international player to join Harlequins this week in the wake of the signings for the men’s team of Halfpenny and Wyn Jones.
https://twitter.com/HarlequinsWomen/status/1819010198360715544
She will join a women’s squad that already contains Welsh caps in hooker Carys Phillips, wing Lisa Neumann and lock Abie Fleming.
“She’s a skilful and exciting player who brings a wealth of international experience and quality to our squad,” claimed Quins head coach Toss Chisholm.
“She is strong in both attack and defence and is dangerous with ball in hand. We’re excited to see what Kayleigh can achieve in Quins colours this season.”
Powell previously played for Bristol Bears in the Premiership and was playing on a dual-contract between the Welsh Rugby Union and Team GB.
Harlequins have signed Wales back Kayleigh Powell for the 2024-25 Premiership Women's Rugby season.#BBCRugby
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) August 2, 2024
