Premier 15s: Team-by-team guide and all you need to know

Last season’s position: Runner-up (first in regular-season table)

Saracens had a stellar season last campaign bar one game – the final.

They finished the regular fixtures ahead of Harlequins after winning 15 games, drawing one and losing two.

However, after Quins took an early lead in the final Saracens couldn’t recover, even with an impressive comeback. They will be aiming to take back the trophy this season.

Key player – Poppy Cleall

Number eight Poppy Cleall is one of the best players in the world and she improves on her game every year.

Not only is she a solid carrier, she was the third-highest try scorer last season with 16 and the eighth-highest point scorer with 80 to her name.

On top of that, the England international was named Women’s Six Nations Player of the Tournament.

Key signing – Ella Wyrwas

Scrum-half Ella Wyrwas returns to Saracens after leaving for Loughborough Lightning in 2018 to study biology at Loughborough University.

Wyrwas won the 2017-18 title at Sarries and is aiming to help them win the trophy back this term.

“I’m really excited to be back with my home club, where my rugby journey began. I’ll be working alongside some of the best players in the league, so there’s huge opportunities for me to learn and grow my own game,” she said.

Coach – Alex Austerberry

Alex Austerberry signed for the London club in August 2018 and went on to lead Saracens to win the 2018-19 title.

Straight-talking Austerberry was disappointed after they lost the final last term, but he is sure his team will bounce back.

“In the heat of the moment it’s easy to get frustrated but we need to look at our processes and how we prepared the players for it. I don’t think we were a million miles off,” he said.

Opening match: Saracens will play their league opener against Wasps at Twyford Avenue on 5 September, 15:00 BST kick-off.