RFU confirm Chiefs place in Premier 15s for 2023/24

By Mark Stevens
16/12/22

Exeter Chiefs Women are among eight clubs confirmed that have been selected via the tender process and offered a place in the Allianz Premier 15s competition from the 2023-24 season, subject to the signing of shareholder and other agreements.

The clubs selected at this stage, following a competitive tender process which saw strong proposals submitted, are:

• Bristol Bears Women
• Ealing Trailfinders Women
• Exeter Chiefs Women
• Gloucester-Hartpury Women
• Harlequins Women
• Leicester Tigers Women
• Loughborough Lightning/Northampton Saints Women
• Saracens Women

The league has capacity for ten teams and while a number of clubs have not been selected to enter at this stage, there is potential for clubs to join the league at a later stage. The RFU and Women’s Premier 15 Ltd (WP15) will continue to work with these clubs on their potential to participate in the league.

The selection panel also made a strong recommendation for the RFU and WP15 to explore how greater geographical spread can be provided in the league. This process will begin in January when discussions with clubs and institutions will take place and will form part of the RFU’s wider review of the women’s competition structure in England.

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. The RFU will be working with clubs to consult on and discuss options in the New Year.

Clubs that have not been offered a place in next season’s Allianz Premier 15s can appeal and this process will aim to conclude by the end of February.

Exeter Rugby Club chairman and chief executive, Tony Rowe OBE, said: "As a club we are delighted that we have been confirmed as one of the eight teams selected following the extensive tender process.

"People will see how over the past three years we have established a fantastic women's team under the guidance of head coach Susie Appleby. Not only have we been able to bring through a wealth of homegrown talent, but the mix of experienced and international players has helped us to deliver a winning formula, both on and off the field.

"Looking to the future, I am confident that we can build on our success and generate an environment that will benefit not only the club and our players, but also our fan-base, which is growing season on season."

Alex Teasdale, RFU Women’s Game Director added: “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.”

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.”