World Cup wave leaves Saracens riding high in the sun

The stars came out to dazzle a record Saracens crowd in a 47-10 derby win for the home side against Harlequins

- Sarah Rendell

If fans had been told at the start of the day to predict which Canada international would be the star of the Premiership Women's Rugby London derby, most would have picked out Sophie de Goede.

The versatile world player of the year is in incredible form, after her starring role in Canada's run to the Rugby World Cup final just over a month ago, but she did not have the chance to live up to those hypothetical expectations as she failed a fitness test a few hours before kickoff.

Such is the Canadian presence at Saracens, though, that another Canuck stood out, with the wing Alysha Corrigan at the heart of the north London club winning 47-10 against Harlequins in this fierce rivalry in front of a record 3,733 spectators.

Corrigan produced not only two skilful tries but she was also able to beat several defenders throughout the encounter and had defensive prowess which marked her out at a sunny but cold StoneX Stadium. Canadian flair was on display throughout, with Olivia Apps also an electric presence and Laetitia Royer impressing on her debut.