World Cup winning Red Roses centre Tatyana Heard is heading back to her native North after agreeing to join Sale Sharks Women ahead of the 2026/27 Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) season.
The 31-year-old has won 36 caps and played in two World Cups since her England debut in 2018. She started at inside centre in last year’s final as John Mitchell’s team became World Champions.
On the domestic front she first picked up a ball at Malton and Norton RUFC in Yorkshire at the age of 11.
She later represented West Park Leeds, Bristol, Pontyclun and Cardiff Met, winning the 2016 BUCS Final at Twickenham, before stepping into the senior game with Gloucester‑Hartpury.
She has played a key role as Gloucester-Hartpury have risen to the top of the women’s games, winning three consecutive PWR titles.
Tatyana said: “I’ve always wanted to come back to the North and it definitely feels like now is the right time for me. I’ve been at Gloucester my whole career in the PWR, so I’m really excited for something new and to come back up to the North.
“I think Sale have got a really good thing going on and off the field and it’s really exciting to see. The team has been doing well this season and the club has incredible coaches, and I’m really looking forward to working with them.
“Michelle really wants to invest in the club and you can tell that both her and Katy (Daley-McLean) are really passionate about the club. Everybody is invested in what the club is building, it really seems like it’s one club and it’s definitely something I want to be a part of.
“I don’t think the club is far off at all from really competing at the top of the league. I’ve been at Gloucester since 2017 and I was here when we were that team that were just missing out on those big game wins.
“A lot of it comes down to confidence because winning is a habit. Hopefully I can help bring that confidence to the people around me.”
Sharks Head Coach Tom Hudson said: “We’ve made no secret of the fact that our next recruitment cycle would be based around three key factors: bringing Northern girls back home; signing world class players in their position; and adding proven & consistent winners to our environment.
“With that in mind I’m so excited to welcome home Northern born, World Cup winning, world class centre Tatyana Heard.
“This is a massive statement of our intent and it’s a sign that the best players in the world are taking notice of what we’re building.”
Why not come and see Tatyana take to the field at The Morson Stadium by securing your season ticket here
