The RFU has today confirmed that Sale Sharks Women and Worcester Warriors Women have been offered a conditional place in the next cycle of the Allianz Premier 15s competition from the 2023/24 season.
Eight clubs were originally selected to form the Women’s Premier 15s league following a tender process – including Northampton Saints’ women’s team Loughborough Lightning – but the tender panel made a strong recommendation for the RFU and the WP15s to explore how greater geographical spread could be provided in the league and, as such, places were today offered to Sale and Worcester.
The RFU has developed a package of support to grow the game in the North, which coupled with a strategy for further investment will allow Sale Sharks to adequately address the feedback from the tender panel. And Worcester Warriors Women have recently secured funding to enable them to continue to operate, therefore, they have also been offered a conditional place, subject to providing the required information requested by the RFU.
Belinda Moore, CEO of Women’s Premier 15s LTD said: “It’s a really exciting time for women’s rugby at all levels, and we’re really pleased to see 10 clubs now moving forwards in their preparations for joining Allianz Premier 15s for next season.”
Charlie Hayter, RFU Women’s Rugby Performance Manager added: “Our goal is to keep building strength in depth across the women’s game and we will work with clubs and WP15 to build an integrated system of opportunities to compete at every level.”
