RFU announce teams for Women’s Super Rugby

The 10 successful teams that have been offered a place in Women’s Super Rugby, subject to contract, are: Bristol Ladies Rugby Ltd, Darlington Mowden Park Sharks, Firwood Waterloo Ladies, Harlequin FC, Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s RFC, Loughborough Students (Lightning), Richmond FC, Saracens Women, Wasps FC Ladies and Worcester Valkyries.

“This is another significant development for women’s rugby in this country,” said RFU director of professional rugby Nigel Melville.

“Women’s Super Rugby will drive standards in the game, both domestically and at an elite level, and continue to encourage more women and girls to play the sport.”

All applicants will be required to deliver against a set of minimum operating standards, which are designed to create an infrastructure within the clubs to support an increasingly professional game.

The key focus of these minimum standards include developing a professional coaching resource to support players in training throughout the week.

There is also an aim to provide teams with regular and expert sports science support and medical provision for both training and match-days and as well as improve the training and playing environment.