As the Women’s Six Nations edges ever closer, players from across Europe’s top leagues continued to put the finishing touches to their preparations during another round of domestic rugby.
There was action in four of the six nations, with leagues in Italy, Wales and France returning from their festive breaks, while in England, the Tyrrells Premier 15s saw a weekend replete with drama.
Here’s a look back at what was a bumper weekend of fixtures.
Saracens show their class
Reigning Tyrells Premier 15s champions Saracens left it late as they came from behind in their top-of-the-table clash against Harlequins thanks to a trio of tries in the game’s closing stages.
Quins had led the Allianz Park clash 28-12 heading into the final five minutes of the contest – but for Irish international Hannah Casey and England’s Sydney Gregson to turn the game on its head.
The result sees Saracens extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points over their opponents, with Loughborough Lightning 10 points back in third after they returned to winning ways with a 53-14 triumph over Darlington Mowden Park Sharks, with England skipper Sarah Hunter among the points.
Elsewhere, sevens star Garnet Mackinder starred off the bench for Wasps as she dotted down twice to seal a 38-12 win at Richmond, while Kelly Smith – handed a professional contract with the England set-up earlier this month – grabbed four tries in Gloucester-Hartpury’s 27-7 win over Worcester Valkyries.
John stakes her claim
Wales international Natalia John was among the scorers as her Swansea side toppled Llandaff North 39-20 in the Welsh Premiership.
The 22-year-old was named in Rowland Phillips’ Women’s Six Nations squad back in December after making her Championship debut last year, and helped Swansea to their second win from three in the division.
In the only other fixture of the weekend, top-of-the-table Pontyclun kept up the pace at the summit as they downed Caernarfon 31-7.
Villorba pick up where they left off
The return of Italy’s Women’s Serie A saw Villorba Rugby make it ten wins from ten as they dealt a 66-5 defeat to Itinera CUS Torino.
Italian international Jessica Busato grabbed four of Villorba’s 10 scores as her side stayed top of Group One ahead of Rugby Colorno, who beat CUS Milano Rugby 100-0.
In Group 2, Union R Capitolina maintained their perfect start to the season, grabbing their ninth victory in a 71-0 win over Puma Bisenzio Rugby.
Stade Rennais on the run
There was a reduced programme of fixtures in France as the Elite One got back under way, with just the single match played as Stade Rennais beat Stade Francais 15-10.
The result saw the hosts gain ground on their opponents in Pool One as they closed the gap on fourth-placed Stade Francais to just one point.
