RFU launches plan to make Premier 15s professional
The Rugby Football Union has outlined ambitious plans to professionalise the Premier 15s within the next 10 years as part of a strategy that will involve a formal “partnership” with Premiership Rugby clubs.
In the biggest shake-up of the women’s top flight since it launched in 2017, £222 million will be invested into the Premier 15s over the next decade, with the aim of securing a free-to-air broadcast deal.
In a key element of the strategy, the Premier 15s is to become a limited company, owned by the RFU and participating clubs and headed up by an independent chief executive to oversee the running of the league from the 2023-24 season.
At present, eight clubs in the Gallagher Premiership have representation in the Premier 15s, although that number is expected to increase under plans to expand the 10-team league “in a timely and sustainable
way” by 2033. Leicester, London Irish and Bath are all preparing applications to enter the women’s premiership from 2023-24.
A new salary cap, as well as a phased increase in salaries and higher standards of officiating, along with a drive to increase the numbers of coaching staff and improve medical cover, are among key changes. All league fixtures will be played in stadiums and there will be increased marketing to improve attendances and the fans’ match-day experience.
The proposals have been devised by a working group that includes Lucy Wray, the Saracens chief executive, Premiership Rugby chief executive Simon Massie-taylor, and Sue Day, the RFU’S chief operating officer.
“This generation of players are all part of something very special, a massive turning point for the women’s game where people sit up and take notice,” Wray said.
“Incredible role models for a future generation and they are paving the way for a seismic shift in the journey towards professionalism. The league being operated as an independent entity with dedicated resource is a massive step forward in giving the women’s club game the attention it deserves.”
Massie-taylor described the 10-year vision as a “really important step for club rugby” and backed the plans to make the Premier 15s the most competitive and progressive women’s competition in the world. “We believe the best solution for women’s rugby is a partnership between the participating clubs and the RFU,” he said.