Flanker Marlie Packer has vowed that Saracens will come back stronger next season after coming up short against Harlequins in the Premier 15s final at Kingsholm. 

Sarries went into the contest having beaten Quins in both previous Premier 15s finals, and they came close to adding a third consecutive title but were ultimately beaten 25-17. 

Underdogs Quins grabbed the initiative early on thanks to two Amy Cokayne tries but Sarries threatened a brilliant comeback when Packer crossed twice, and their opponents lost Abbie Ward and Cokayne to the sin-bin. 

Sophie de Goede also dotted down but the contest was settled by the boot of Lagi Tuima, who kicked 15 points, as the defending champions let themselves down with the frequency of penalties they gave away. 

“It was our discipline that let us down,” Packer said. 

“It has been a difficult season. The law changes probably have not been in favour for the way we play at Saracens, but we have had to adapt and play on. 

“We got to the final, we were short today but next season we will be back fighting.” 

There were no victories for either Saracens’ side across the weekend, with the men’s Championship game against Hartpury University cancelled after a small number of Hartpury players tested positive for coronavirus and several others had to self-isolate. 

It has been revealed that neither side will be awarded any league points in what would have been the final regular season game before Saracens’ two-legged promotion play-off encounter with Ealing Trailfinders next month. 

A Rugby Football Union disputes committee concluded that the game should be recorded as a 0-0 draw because it considered Hartpury “were not at fault for the cancellation of the fixture.” 

Injuries and players still isolating also meant that Hartpury would not be able to field a squad on the reserve weekend of 5-6 June. 

Saracens have until 11 June to appeal the decision, which will see them finish second in the table behind Ealing. 

A committee statement said: “While the positions of the clubs in the league table was not considered to be a relevant factor in determining the outcome of the cancellation, it was noted that the effect of the decision would not undermine the integrity of the competition.”