Neumann uncertain over future after Quins exit

August 18, 2026 No Comments

Neumann uncertain over future after Quins exitImage source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Lisa Neumann won her 50th Wales cap at last summer’s Rugby World CupByCeri Coleman-PhillipsBBC Sport WalesPublished10 minutes agoWales wing Lisa Neumann says she is considering her options after leaving Harlequins this summer.Neumann was limited to just one appearance for the Premiership Women’s Rugby side last season and instead found game time with Brython Thunder in the Celtic Challenge.The 32-year-old had looked to prove a point in the 2026 Six Nations, but was forced off in the opening round against Scotland after suffering a season-ending hamstring injury.

“I was gutted, it wasn’t the best timing but I’ve had injuries before. You just have to go through the process, trust it and hope that you can come back stronger,” reported Neumann.

Neumann back in Wales’ extended WXV training squad
What next for Wales after another winless Six Nations?

Neumann joined Harlequins in February 2024 and impressed during her first season at the Stoop, scoring six tries in 22 appearances, but the past season fell disappointingly flat.

“I would have loved to have stayed for the girls,” she reported.

“This last year didn’t go as well as I’d hoped. There were a lot of changes in the environment so I think it was a good decision to go.

“Obviously I’ve not signed with a club yet.

“I’ve looked at all the offers and it’s not just a financial decision. I have to think about quality of life.”

Putting in the miles

Neumann is understandingly taking her time given the sacrifices she has made, and continues to make, for rugby.

Before turning professional with Wales, the former Sale Sharks wing made an eight hour round trip from Manchester to Cardiff three times a week for training and now makes a similar journey from London.

“Every single time I think I’m going to move closer, I’m going to make it easier. I don’t know why I’ve just carried on doing it,” Neumann reported.

“It is hard getting up at 4:30am, driving down and thinking ‘what am I doing to myself?'”

Asked if she would follow team mates Jasmine Joyce and Alisha Joyce in moving back to play for Welsh clubs, Neumann reported it was an option for the future.

“I played for Brython Thunder a bit last year and I did really love it,” she reported, “I don’t feel like I’m afraid to make any mistakes.

“But right now moving back home is a difficult decision, I’ve set up my life in London and it’s not easy to pack up.”

WXV: Wales out to deliver performances from training field to game – Lisa Neumann

Pre-season pain

Fighting fit again, Neumann is in her third week of pre-season with Wales before next month’s WXV Global Series.

And despite being one of the fittest members of the squad, Neumann says the going has been tough.

“It’s been absolutely savage, my body is sore from every session, we’ve been working really hard,” she reported.

“One of the main things that we want to focus on is our work rate, we want to get fitter as a team and you can see it out there. Everyone is working for each other.”

Wales kick-off their campaign on 18 September when they host South Africa at Cardiff Arms Park. USA arrive in the Welsh capital on 26 September before Wales head to Japan for two Tests on 23 and 31 October.

With all three sides ranked above Wales, Neumann knows they must start closing the gap.

“Obviously we want to come away with a win, that’s a given, but the biggest thing is coming back in after the game and making sure that we’ve delivered on everything that we’ve been working really hard on,” she reported.