WORCESTER Warriors Women have made five summer signings – but will be saying farewell to captain Lark Davies.

Ireland hooker Sarah Mimnagh has been recruited from league rivals Richmond, Wales lock Gwen Crabb from Ospreys, wing Caitlin Lewis from Scarlets, England under 20s centre Jade Shekells from Gloucester-Hartpury and back-row forward Bryony Narbeth from Cheltenham Tigers.

However, Davies has decided to leave the club although her next destination has yet to be confirmed.

Director of rugby Roy Davies is disappointed to be losing the hooker but proud of the role Warriors have played in developing her into an international player.

“It’s always disappointing to see a player leave but I can’t fault Lark’s efforts in the time that I have been here," Davies said. 

"She has been excellent for us and I wish her well.

“It’s been great to see her grow into a fully-fledged international player and I’m extremely proud of the role the club has played in that development.

“It’s been a massive endorsement of the quality of our programme at Worcester Warriors Women.”

Mimnagh, who has also been represented the army, was born in Worcester and began her rugby career at Sixways.

She part of Worcester Women’s Premiership-winning side in 2013.

Her work commitments as a firefighter have brought Mimnagh back to the area.

“It’s great to bring a player of Sarah’s quality back to the club, and I’m looking forward to working with her,” Davies said.

“As well as her obvious on-field talent, she will add lots off-field as well with her experience and leadership.

Crabb, who has six Wales caps as well as being a current sevens international, joins her compatriots Jasmine Joyce, Alex Callender, Alisha Butchers, Sioned Harries, Kenzie Tutton and Millie Williams at Warriors.

“In my conversations with Gwen I have been really impressed with her maturity and drive to play in the Premier15s competition,” Davies said.

Shekells, who previously played under Davies for Bristol, hails from Droitwich and came through the junior section at Worcester RFC.

“Jade has the potential to be an outstanding player at Tyrrells Premier 15s level and like many, just needs the opportunities to allow that potential to develop,” Davies said.

Lewis, who was part of Wales’ squad for last season’s Six Nations, plays her club rugby for Penybanc and Narbeth has been on Davies’ radar for some time.

“Caitlin is a young player with the physical attributes to be a real threat, as demonstrated by her international selection,” Davies added.

“I’m sure she will thrive in our environment and I’m looking forward to getting the opportunity to work with her.”