On Sunday 18th May, Richmond Women’s 1st XV will take to the pitch at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham for the final time this season, and they’ll do so on the biggest stage of all.

It’s the Women’s Championship Play-Off Final, and standing in the way of silverware are long-standing rivals Old Albanian Saints, a side Richmond have faced twice already in two absolute thrillers. This will be the third and most important encounter of the season, and it has all the makings of a classic.

A campaign built on resilience, cohesion and moments of brilliance now comes down to 80 minutes. And with entry completely free for supporters, all roads lead to Twickenham for what promises to be a blockbuster day of rugby.
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The Road to the Final
From opening the season on a municipal pitch at Battersea Ironsides, to taking on Bath at The Rec in front of fireworks and a roaring crowd, Richmond’s journey has been defined by growth and belief.

That belief was on full display in a 31–19 semi-final win over Cheltenham Tigers. Richmond dominated early, leading 19–7 at the break, before showing character and composure to hold firm in a tense second half, despite being reduced to 14 players for the closing stages.

Old Albanian Saints, meanwhile, topped the Women’s Championship South 1 with a string of strong performances before cruising to a 45–7 victory over Lichfield Ladies in their semi-final. Physical, well-organised and clinical in attack, they will pose a significant challenge once again.

Richmond and Old Albanian played out a 28–28 draw just two months ago, a match that showcased the razor-thin margins between these two elite squads. Before that, Richmond edged a memorable 25–21 victory earlier in the campaign.
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Player Spotlight: Gabby Spencer (Richmond Rugby)

As Richmond prepare for their biggest fixture of the season, few names carry as much weight within the group as Gabby Spencer.

The powerful back row has been central to everything this team has achieved in 2024/25. A dominant presence at the back of the scrum, Spencer brings a physical edge that sets the tone early — and remains one of the key figures in this squad both on and off the pitch.

She led the side as captain during the 28–28 draw with Old Albanian earlier in the campaign, and again in the semi-final win over Cheltenham Tigers — two pressure-filled contests where her energy and voice helped anchor the team.

Sunday marks her final appearance in Richmond colours, a milestone that brings its own emotion, but she’ll approach it just like every other challenge this season: lead from the front, lift the players around her, and compete with everything she’s got.

One more game. One more chance to leave it all out there.
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One to Watch: Katherine Johnson (Old Albanian Saints)

A key figure in Old Albanian’s run to the final, fly-half Katherine Johnson has been at the heart of their attacking fluency.

Awarded Player of the Match in their final league outing against Henley, she backed it up with a try in their semi-final win over Lichfield. Johnson’s incisive attacking instincts, game management and orchestration of the backline make her a constant threat — creating line breaks, exploiting gaps, and turning pressure into points.

If Richmond are to come out on top, shutting down Johnson’s influence will be crucial.
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Matchday Information
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Kick-off: 5:00pm, Sunday 18th May
Entry: Free for all supporters
What to Expect: A full day of rugby finals, culminating in the Championship Final
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First XV (1–15)
1. Zainab Alema
2. Rebecca Kemball
3. Miça Evans
4. Eleanor Hunt-Pain
5. Sian Hobday
6. Tyla Shirley
7. Caitlin Keefe
8. Gabby Spencer (c)
9. Sophie Messem
10. Courtney Treco
11. Hollie Williamson
12. Jordan Heil
13. Bee Leonard
14. Catherine Teyssier
15. Vicki Jackson

Replacements
16. Becci de Garston-Webb
17. Eloise Harris
18. Kira Leat
19. Jess Dale
20. Alne Kloppers
21. Jay Badland-Shaw
22. Rebecca Smart
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Bring your voice. Bring your colours. Bring your passion.
Let’s finish this journey the Richmond way.