2023/24 Allianz Premiership Women's Rugby fixtures announced

A new era for women's rugby in England kicks off this Autumn, and today's confirmation of the fixtures for the Allianz Premiership Women's Rugby competition adds excitement and anticipation for fans near and far. Two new sides join the league, with the arrival of Leicester Tigers and Trailfinders Women in the elite division of English women's rugby alongside eight returning teams from last season.

Trailfinders Women begin their campaign in the newly formed Allianz Premiership Women's Rugby with a mouth-watering London derby as Harlequins make the short trip to Ealing on the opening weekend of 17-19 November. Tigers also start at home to last season's runners-up and Cup winners, Exeter Chiefs.

Allianz Premiership Women's Rugby Round One

Weekend of 17-19 November

Bristol Bears v Sale Sharks

Leicester Tigers v Exeter Chiefs

Saracens v Loughborough Lightning

Trailfinders Women v Harlequins

Warriors Women v Gloucester-Hartpury

See the full fixture list here.

Trailfinders Women are led by Giselle Mather, one of the most experienced coaches in world rugby, with more than 20 years of guiding teams to the top. "The new league campaign is hugely exciting for us," said 1994 Rugby World Cup winner Mather, who had an illustrious career as a player before becoming a coach.

"The women’s game at the moment is in a fantastic space and the club’s commitment to it is immense, so the opportunity to lead this programme is really exciting.

"The big thing for us is that everything is new - it's everything from the bibs and the balls to the players, staff, environment and league.

"As a coach, it's an unbelievably unique opportunity because you’re not inheriting anything you are creating. I enjoy creating and looking at building a high-performance environment from nothing. But can do it with fabulous facilities at the club, and we have the most extraordinary support from Trailfinders."

Trailfinders Women have their sights set on a big crowd for their first game - which will be a memorable day in the club's history, showing how far the women's game has come in a relatively short time. Mather adds: "Two London teams going against each other, hopefully from a commercial point of view we'll have a big crowd, as we’ve set a target of 2,000 at our first game."

Mather coached new Leicester Tigers head coach, Vicky Macqueen, when she was a pacy full-back and this season the two women come head-to-head in Allianz Premiership Women's Rugby.

Macqueen expressed the feeling of euphoria that surrounds women's sport at the moment saying: "It's really exciting. I know I keep saying that, but I think it sums up what everyone is thinking and feeling. We know we’re going to be judged and looked at, but we’re excited about that."

Neither Mather nor Macqueen's teams will be there to simply make up the numbers and Macqueen adds: "We want to make a statement in year one but know there is a lot of experience in this league. We will focus on what we do best, use our superpowers, and think about our strengths. It’s the mentality we have."

Off the field, Tigers have confirmed even more exciting news for the women's club's first year in the Premiership, Macqueen adding: "We have sold almost 5,000 season tickets ahead of the new season, over double our target for our first season in the elite level of women’s rugby which is magnificent support from the Tigers fans.

"Having welcomed the Red Roses to Mattioli Woods Welford Road in the 2022 Six Nations, we’re delighted to bring Premiership Women’s Rugby to our famous stadium and to supporters who are excited about the best competition in women’s rugby. "

Reigning champions Gloucester-Hartpury begin the defence of their title with a short trip to Sixways where Warriors Women lie in wait. Sean Lynn's side beat Exeter Chiefs 34-19 in an unforgettable final in June at 'Queensholm', with almost 10,000 fans in attendance and will be focused on starting the 2023/24 season off strongly.

Lynn said: "Winning the title last season was huge for this Club. It was a day none of us will ever forget, not just for winning the trophy, but because of the incredible support for the women’s game at ‘Queensholm’.

“Our ambition now is to keep that trophy in our cabinet. We have retained every player that started in the final and secured some brilliant new additions in Elizabeth Shermer, Trudy Cowan, Cath Richards, Carmen Castellucci and Mackenzie Carson. If we can build on last season, particularly the team unity which I hope has become synonymous with this team, we’ll be in a strong position come the business end of the season.”

Ashton Gate will set the scene for Bristol Bears' opening weekend clash against Sale Sharks while Loughborough Lightning travel to north London to face 2022 winners Saracens.

Carolyn Rich, head of brand marketing and social responsibility at Allianz said: "After three years of sponsoring the Allianz Premier 15s we are excited to see how the Allianz Premiership Women's Rugby will reach new audiences and grow the game.

"It's a really promising time for women's sport, especially rugby, and we are proud to be part of it. We are particularly looking forward to the start of the new season and to welcoming the new clubs to the competition."

The Allianz Premiership Women's Rugby semi-finals will take place on the weekend of 7-9 June with the date of the final two weeks later on 22 June.

The Allianz Cup will kick off the new season of elite women's rugby season in England in September. Cup fixtures will be announced on Wednesday 9 August.