Worcester and Sale awarded final places in the Premier 15s
The RFU have announced that Worcester Warriors Women and Sale Sharks Women have been issued with a conditional offer to join the Allianz Premier 15s from the 2023/24 season.
They join the eight teams that were confirmed before Christmas which include newcomers Ealing Trailfinders Women and Leicester Tigers Women.
For Worcester this follows the announcement of a 10-year funding partnership with local business Cube International.
The 10-year deal with the innovative sports events experts, was contingent on the club securing one of the two available spots in the Allianz Premier 15s from next season. Consequently, this funding is now guaranteed.
In a press release, Worcester Warriors said: “The new agreement brings security to the club’s future and is fuelled by the desire to create an independent and sustainable women’s rugby team that can inspire future generations.”
The inclusion of Sale also ensures the longevity of women’s rugby across the country, not just within the M25.
Alex Teasdale, RFU Women’s Game Director said: “We know rugby in the North can be disproportionately challenged. We have therefore responded to the panel’s recommendation to explore if a northern club could be part of the league.
“Given the importance of having a northern provision, we believe with the proposed support package Sale Sharks will be well placed to continue their work to develop and grow rugby in the region,” she added.
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.”
This announcement means that Wasps Women and DMP Sharks have been excluded for plans for the next cycle of the league.
In a press release, the RFU said they have been working for the past six months to develop a solution for those clubs that have not been given a place in the league.
This includes structures to ensure clubs will be able to apply for the top-flight of women’s rugby in the future.
