Harlequins Women can confirm that scrum-half Leanne Riley has joined Bristol Bears Women ahead of the 2021/22 Allianz Premier 15s season.
The Red Roses international joins the West Country outfit after appearing 56 times for the Quarters over a four-season period.
An integral part of the Club’s title-winning squad, Riley departs South West London after scoring 28 tries for Quins.
The scrum-half leaves with fond memories having won the 2020/21 Allianz Premier 15s title in her final appearance for Quins, defeating Saracens 25-17 at Kingsholm Stadium in Gloucester last month to claim the Club’s first league title.
After agreeing her move, Riley said: “My time at Quins has been the highlight of my career so far. Being part of it from the start, being at the wrong end of two finals and then to finish my time in South West London finally beating Saracens in the final was amazing.
“Each and every member of the squad are so special and the way we came together, especially last season, with everything happening off the pitch and to seal it all off with an Allianz Premier 15s title was incredible.”
Head Coach Gerard Mullen can only thank Riley for all her efforts for Quins and wishes her all the best in the rest of her career.
Commenting, Mullen said: “Leanne has been exceptional for Harlequins for a number of years now and it’s been great working with her this season.
“I wish her all the best for her future career and I’m certain she will play a huge part for England in the upcoming World Cup next year.”
PHOTO BY NEIL KENNEDY
