Hong Kong rugby trailblazer Turner launching English Premiership career with Saracens
Roshini Turner settling in at club after suffering impostor syndrome, aiming to create pathway for city’s women ahead of World Cup push
Roshini Turner has said a reality check delivered at last year’s WXV3 tournament, coupled with her burning desire to reach the 2029 Rugby World Cup with Hong Kong, prompted her “trailblazing” move to English giants Saracens.
The second row has made three PWR Cup appearances off the bench after “flipping my life upside down” to relocate in July. Saracens play Exeter Chiefs in the semi-finals on Sunday.
Hong Kong were soundly beaten by Fiji and the Netherlands, either side of a win over Madagascar, at the inaugural WXV3 in Dubai.
Against the Fijians, Turner was disconcerted that her line-outs “didn’t go well”. “They’re something I prided myself on … I didn’t see the space, there was a lot of information coming into me and it felt a bit overwhelming,” she said.
“You want to be known as elite in your area, my superpowers are around my set piece and defence, and I felt exposed. The World Cup is my top goal, and I didn’t know that four more years of club rugby in Hong Kong would be good for me.”
Turner was introduced to Saracens bosses by former Durham University colleague Beth Blacklock, the team’s centre . The London club offered a contract after sourcing references and checking a CV that included an English Premiership stint with DMP Sharks.