Harlequins' ex-England winger Cowell retires

Harlequins' former Great Britain and England winger Heather Cowell has retired from rugby.

The 30-year-old spent eight years with Quins and was a Premiership Women's title-winner in 2020-21, when it was known as Premier 15s.

A former international gymnast, Cowell took up rugby at the age of 20 and signed for Worcester Warriors in 2017.

After a short break from the game, she joined Harlequins in 2018 and now bows out with 60 tries to her name.

She made three appearances for England, scoring four tries.

Cowell also played rugby sevens for England, appearing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and for Great Britain, winning a gold medal at the 2023 European Games.

In 2024, she represented Great Britain's rugby sevens team at the Summer Olympics in Paris.

"I've had eight seasons at Harlequins. During that time I have made lifelong friends, won the Premier15s, become an Olympian and played for my country," said Cowell.

"It's been everything I could have imagined and more. The club has been instrumental in supporting me as a player and I have loved every minute.

"However, it feels like the right time to step away now and focus on my professional career.

"Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey."

Harlequins Women missed out on a play-off spot in the Premiership this season and will finish either fifth or sixth.