Harlequins Women bolster ranks with five newcomers

Harlequins Women have announced that Amy Layzell, Kirsty Hillier, Makeda Lewis, Grace Izinyon, and Izzy Hannay have signed for the club. 

Layzell heralds from Quins community club Winchester RFC, coming through Harlequins Centre of Excellence pathway before going to university and joining DMP Sharks in 2020. In 2022 Layzell moved to Wasps, then onto Bristol earlier this year. The back has also represented England Internationally at U20s level.

Kirsty Hillier came through Harlequins’ Worthing College pathway, moving to Oxford Brookes University where she captained their Women’s rugby side in her final year. Playing most of her rugby on the wing, she joined London Irish in 2022 and finished last season at Wasps.

Makeda Lewis discovered rugby at Portsmouth University and spent four seasons at Wasps before making the move to Quins. A naturally talented athlete, the wing earnt her first international cap for Jamaica last year, representing them in both 7s and 15s.

Prop Grace Izinyon joins Quins from Cambridge University, who she represented in the prestigious Varsity fixture at Twickenham Stadium earlier this year. Born in Nigeria but growing up in the UK, Izinyon’s sporting background is predominantly in Athletics, competing in shot and hammer-throw.

Izzy Hannay began her rugby journey with Daventry RFC aged seven, moving to Old Northamptonians at 13 from where she was selected to play at County level. Hannay moved to DMP Sharks whilst studying at Durham University, and was called up to the Scotland Futures squad last season.

Head Coach Amy Turner said: “We’re lucky to have five quality players joining us, who have all shown huge potential at both club and university level.

“We’ve focussed on several key areas in our recruitment during the off season, and strengthening our depth across the squad has been a priority. All five of these players will be vital to us, we’re excited to see what they can bring to a Quins shirt.”

These five players join Harlequins alongside Flo Robinson, Abbie Fleming, Aseza Hele, Shaunagh Brown and Connie Powell, as well as a host of players who have renewed contracts with the Club. Further announcements are due shortly which will continue to underline the Club's plan to develop the strongest women's rugby programme in the Northern Hemisphere.