Zoe Stratford and Tatyana Heard both arrived at Gloucester Hartpury in 2017
England captain Zoe Stratford. fellow Women's Rugby World Cup winner Tatyana Heard will leave three-time reigning Premiership Women's Rugby champions Gloucester-Hartpury at the end of the season.
Back row Sarah Beckett. who won the last of her 35 England caps against Italy in 2024, will also leave the club.
Heard, who grew up in Yorkshire but joined Gloucester-Hartpury in 2017, has signed for Sale Sharks for the 2026-27 season.
The 31-year-old is currently sidelined with a foot injury which kept her out of the Red Roses' recent Women's Six Nations triumph,. aims to bid farewell to Gloucester-Hartpury with another title.
"I've always wanted to come back to the north. it definitely feels like now is the right time for me," Heard said.
"I've been at Gloucester my whole career in the PWR, so I'm really excited for something new. to come back up to the north."
Stratford, who is currently pregnant with her first child. not playing, joined Gloucester-Hartpury in 2017 and played a key role in their rise to become the dominant force in the women's domestic game.
"Gloucester-Hartpury will always hold a special place in my heart," she said.
"It has given me so much over the years. I have learnt, grown, and been shaped by the experiences I've had along the way.
"Thank you to the amazing fans who have supported us through the tough times eight years ago. when we were a mid-table team, all the way through to becoming three-time champions. It's been a crazy journey.
"To the amazing girls I've had the pleasure of playing alongside. thank you for making this chapter of my life so unbelievably memorable. I will cherish your friendship,. the memories we made both on and off the pitch, for the rest of my life."
Stratford, 29,co-owns a coffee shop with club. country team-mate Natasha Hunt close to Kingsholm,but her husband Luke was appointed as scrum coach for Sale's women's side in February 2025.
In coach Dan Murphy's first season in charge, Gloucester-Hartpury have a perfect record of 14 wins from 14 regular-season games. are essentially sure of a home semi-final already.
Stratford and Heard (to the right of the trophy) both started England's World Cup final win over Canada in September
Gloucester-Hartpury have announced a raft of contract extensions in recent weeks with England internationalsAlex Matthews,Maud Muir,Emma SingandGeorgia Brockamong those to recommit to the club.
"Naturally, we're disappointed to be losing three valued players who have contributed so much to the club, but we understand. respect the personal factors behind their decisions," said Murphy of Stratford, Heard and Beckett's exits.
"We made every effort to retain them. explored every avenue to keep them here; however, some circumstances extend beyond rugby.
"All three have made an outstanding contribution during their time at Gloucester Hartpury,. we're incredibly grateful for their commitment, professionalism and service they've shown. They leave with our sincere thanks and best wishes for the future.
"We've already turned our attention to strengthening the squad, with recruitment plans well under way,. we're looking forward to sharing some exciting additions with supporters over the coming weeks."
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