Leicester and Ealing set to join Allianz Premier 15s

Leicester Tigers and Ealing Trailfinders have been offered to feature in the Allianz Premier 15s cycle from the 2023/24 season.

Leicester will join Northampton Saints, Bristol, Exeter, Gloucester-Hartpury, Harlequins and Saracens in the Premiership sides to field a women's team with men's Championship leaders Ealing also being offered a slot.

The league that currently has eight teams has the potential to expand until 10 sides according to the Rugby Football Union.

“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," said RFU Women’s Game Director Alex Teasdale.

“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. ”

Meanwhile, DMP Sharks, who had applied for crowd-funding to stay in the league this season has not applied for the next cycle due to the increased investment cost while Sale along with financially troubled Wasps and Worcester have been left out of the competition.

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.

“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," said RFU Women’s Rugby Performance Manager Charlie Hayter.

"We want to create a league which inspires both players, and fans, and continues to develop talented athletes at the elite level."