Exeter and Sale to join women’s top flight

EXETER Chiefs and Sale Sharks will join the top division of women’s rugby for three years at the expense of Richmond and Firwood Waterloo.

Richmond, who won the old Premiership five times at the turn of the century described the decision as ‘another blow for traditional rugby clubs’.

Nicky Ponsford, the RFU’s Head of Women’s Performance, said both Exeter and Sale would “undoubtedly add quality both on and off the field”.

Exeter chief executive Tony Rowe was delighted by the elevation of their women’s side.

He said: “After months and months of hard work behind the scenes, this is the real reward and further enhances our aim of creating the rugby giant that is Exeter Chiefs rugby club.”

Sale co-owner Michelle Orange said: “The opportunity to establish Sale Sharks Women will complete our family unit and help us play our part in reinforcing the importance of sport for all.

“We look forward to building our women’s team and seeing the resumption of play across all facets of rugby union.”

Bristol Bears, Gloucester-Hartpury, Harlequins, Loughborough Lightning, Saracens and Wasps were already guaranteed places in the 10-team Premier 15s as the top-six ranked sides.

All other clubs had to retender alongside any potential new entrants, with Worcester Warriors and DMP Durham Sharks also retaining their places.

Before this season finished due to coronavirus Richmond were ninth in the table, with Firwood Waterloo bottom, both with only one win.

Richmond said in a statement: “Richmond has been at the forefront of women’s rugby for nearly 35 years. This announcement is very disappointing.”

Firwood Waterloo said: “We have always blazed the trail for Women’s Rugby Union in the North West and are proud to have been a founder member of the league. Unfortunately we were unable to find enough wins on and off the pitch over the first three years to retain our place.”

Saracens, who won the first two titles since the inception of the league in 2017-18, were two points clear at the top of the table when the RFU declared the season null and void.