WELSH Olympian Kayleigh Powell has signed for Harlequins for the 2024/25 Premiership Women's Rugby season.

The 25-year-old full back went to Paris with Team GB as a reserve for the sevens tournament but was drafted in to play in the seventh-place play-off victory over Ireland.

A product of Llantrisant RFC, Powell joined fellow Welsh international Jasmine Joyce in the line-up for that game at Stade de France.

Powell has 16 caps to her name since making her debut in 2019. Prior to that she appeared for Wales at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and on the World Sevens Series.

The back featured in the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand and was a member of this season’s Six Nations squad.

She becomes the third Welsh international player to join Harlequins this week in the wake of the singings for the men’s team of Leigh Halfpenny and Wyn Jones.

She will join a women’s squad that already contains Welsh caps in hooker Carys Phillips, wing Lisa Neumann and lock Abbie Fleming.

Powell said: “I’m really excited to be joining Quins. The club is renowned for its history and success in women’s rugby.

“I can’t wait to join my new teammates and help Quins return to the top of the PWR. I’m looking forward to pulling on the Quarters and calling The Stoop my home.”

Powell previously played for Bristol Bears in the Premiership and was playing on a dual contract between the Welsh Rugby Union and Team GB.

Head coach Ross Chisholm added: “Kayleigh is a fantastic signing for our club. She’s a skilful and exciting player who brings a wealth of international experience and quality to our squad.

“She is strong in both attack and defence and is dangerous with ball in hand. We’re excited to see what Kayleigh can achieve in Quins colours this season.”

Next season's Premiership Women’s Rugby campaign will be shortened to help England bid for glory in their home World Cup.

It will run from October 5 to March 16 to give more preparation time for the global tournament, which begins in August.