RFU confirm 8 Premier 15s teams for 2023/24 as four current sides axed

The RFU have confirmed the eight clubs that have been selected via a tender process and offered a place in the Allianz Premier 15s competition from the 2023-24 season.

Bristol Bears Women, Ealing Trailfinders Women, Exeter Rugby Club, Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s RFC, Harlequins FC, Leicester Tigers, Loughborough Lightning/Northampton Saints and Saracens have all made the cut.

Leicester are new entrants into the league after being set-up just last season, alongside fellow league debutants Ealing Trailfinders Women.

Four teams, however, have been axed; with Wasps, Worcester, DMP Durham Sharks and Sale Sharks no longer set to feature in the elite club competition. The league has a capacity for 10 teams, with clubs to be given the opportunity to join the league ‘at a later stage’.

“The RFU, as part of the women’s competition review, has been working for the past six months to develop a solution for those clubs that have not been offered a place at this stage and those that wish to join Premier 15s in the future, now it knows who has been impacted it will move forward with the final stage of that work,” read a statement. “The RFU will be working with clubs to consult on and discuss options in the New Year.”

Alex Teasdale, RFU Women’s Game Director said: “I would like to thank all the clubs currently in the the Allianz Premier 15s competition for their part in developing it into the success it is today. Their contribution has been invaluable, and the league has set standards around the world for the women’s game.

“We had a good range of clubs and institutions submit proposals and we would like to thank them for all the hard work, time and energy they put into the tender process. ”

I’m from Devon and even I now know that Loughborough isn’t the North. So many girls this will affect moving forwards because many won’t be able to get to the midlands clubs. Got to keep growing the game, in every part of the country!

@Premier15s https://t.co/Cl2AUeUtdd

— Abbie Brown (@abbiebrown10) December 17, 2022

Charlie Hayter, RFU Women’s Rugby Performance Manager, said: “This process is part of the 10-year strategy for the Premier 15s which aims to build on the current league’s success and continue to push the league forward as the most competitive, progressive and sustainable in the world. We want to create a league which inspires both players, and fans, and continues to develop talented athletes at the elite level.

“This will happen concurrently with work on the wider women and girl’s plan to accelerate the growth of the women’s game in this country.”

Speaking about the successful bid, Leicester Tigers Chief Executive Officer Andrea Pinchen said: “This is very exciting news for Leicester Tigers, our players, coaches, staff and supporters.”

“A lot of hard work went into preparing our application and to be successful is a huge step forward for the women’s programme at Tigers.