Time to shine in Premiership: RAF rugby union's Orla Proctor extends contract at Harlequins

RAF rugby union star Orla Proctor has extended her contract with Premiership Women's Rugby team Harlequins.

The new deal means Proctor will return to Quins for the 2025/26 season after a successful loan spell at Glasgow Warriors.

Proctor has previous Premiership experience after a season at Leicester Tigers where she only managed one appearance during the campaign.

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Speaking to Harlequins' media team, Proctor said: "I'm really excited to re-sign for Quins. The staff and players really make this team feel like a family.

"They've helped me improve as a player, not just my game, but my confidence on and off the pitch. I'm so grateful for the all the experiences and opportunities Quins have opened up for me."

The Air Force star has proven to be a key player for her service team since making her Inter Service debut against the Royal Navy in 2023 and has also made an impact at UK Armed Forces level, including a try on her UKAF debut in the Remembrance fixture against Bristol Bears.

Proctor has discussed on her social media how playing within the military rugby community has given her a new lease of sporting life.

She said: "I didn't know anyone in this new team I was joining, so they were all fresh faces. I'm lucky to know now that this team is like family.

"It was daunting trying to learn new plays and strategies, and proving myself to both teammates and coaches but these girls helped me find my love for rugby again but also while maintaining a good standard."

She will be hoping to line up for the RAF against the Senior Service on Saturday during the opening round of the 2025 Inter Service rugby union championship.

You can watch both the men's and women's matches live from the cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens on the BFBS Forces News YouTube channel – find out more here.