Amy Cokayne Harlequins — Flight Lieutenant Amy Cokayne joined Harlequins from Wasps in 2019 (Picture: Harlequins).

Rugby Union

RAF rugby star to depart Harlequins for Leicester Tigers at end of season

Royal Air Force and England Rugby star Flight Lieutenant Amy Cokayne is to leave Harlequins at the end of the 2022/23 season to join Allianz Premier 15s newcomers Leicester Tigers.

Flt Lt Cokayne joined Harlequins Women in 2019 from Wasps and made her 50th appearance for the club against Bristol Bears in March and scored twice in the Quins' 2020/21 Allianz Premier 15s final win against Saracens.

Speaking to Harlequins on her departure, Flt Lt Cokayne said she is looking forward to "finishing the season with a bang".

She said: "I've had an amazing four years at Quins, they say enjoy what you do and you won't work a day in your life, and the people at Quins are truly amazing and have made turning up to 'work' easy every day.

"I'm looking forward to getting back out on the pitch and finishing the season with a bang."

During her time at Harlequins, Flt Lt Cokayne has enjoyed success at international level and military level, including scoring a hat-trick of tries for England in last year's Rugby World Cup final and helping the RAF win the Inter Services in 2019.

Cokayne told Leicester Tigers that the move "gave me the chance to move back home to the Midlands and get involved with a club with such a rich history of success, one with a real desire to push the women's game forward".

Back to the midlands we go 💪 https://t.co/7fpkBCETG7
— Amycokayne (@amycokayne) May 15, 2023

Harlequins head coach Amy Turner said: "Amy has been a huge part of this Harlequins squad for the past four seasons and was central to some of our best moments.

"She's a fierce competitor on the field but larger than life character off it, I've really enjoyed working with her this season.

"She's stepped up to captain the side on a number of occasions in Rachael Burford's absence and she's really grown into that leadership role.

"We wish her all the best in her move up to Leicester."

RAF and Harlequins teammate Sarah Bonar, who recently signed a fresh contract with the Harlequins, reacted to the news on Twitter, saying: "When your right arm leaves you."