After a summer of change, English rugby union’s top-tier women’s domestic league returns this weekend.
The rebranded Premiership Women’s Rugby – which features new teams and global stars – is widely regarded as the best of its kind in the world.
Saracens’ newly crowned World Player of the Year Marlie Packer may well be seen as the headline act, but the incredible return of Bristol’s Abbie Ward – 17 weeks after a caesarean section – has justifiably drawn plenty of attention.
Let’s get up to speed before the action kicks off on Saturday.
What’s happened since last season?
Out has gone the Premier 15s brand and in its place is Premiership Women’s Rugby – also known as PWR.
Along with the name change there is a new logo and a ‘Powered Differently’ campaign which aims to change perceptions of women’s rugby.
The nine-team league also features two new teams – Leicester Tigers Women and Trailfinders Women – who join with the intention of adding more competition in PWR. DMP Durham Sharks and Wasps Women are no longer involved after conceding more than 1,000 points each last season.
The changes continue with a new multi-year TV deal that means one game a week will be broadcast on TNT – starting with Saturday’s match between Bristol Bears and Sale Sharks at Ashton Gate. Clubs will be able to live stream fixtures that aren’t shown on the channel.
This all comes after the league’s departure from Rugby Football Union (RFU) control in the summer, with PWR now run as limited company under the guidance of chief executive Belinda Moore.
The RFU remains a major stakeholder, but this season is PWR’s first outing under its own steam.
Who are the team to beat?
Gloucester-Hartpury are the reigning champions having finally broken the London monopoly of Saracens and Harlequins.
The Cherry and Whites have lost a couple of high-profile names – with England hooker Connie Powell joining Quins and Sophie Bridger moving to Saracens – but the arrival of prop Mackenzie Carson from the north Londoners is a good piece of business from head coach Sean Lynn.
Bristol Bears have made some of the most eye-catching signings, and snaffling England duo Holly Aitchison and Hannah Botterman from Saracens is a sign of clear intent from the back-to-back semi-finalists.
Sale Sharks, too, deserve special mention for not only recruiting England internationals Morwenna Talling and Jo Brown but also pulling off what must be the signing of the season in Italy centre Beatrice Rigoni.
With her outrageous dummies and unpredictable kicking style, Rigoni is simply box office.
A warning from Worcester
While the new-look league is an exciting prospect, there is still plenty of caution.
Worcester Warriors Women were meant to play a full role in the league, until their sponsorship deal with Cube International was unexpectedly ended.
Women’s rugby is keen to avoid the mistakes made in the English men’s professional game, which has lost three Premiership and one Championship club in the past year.
The pace of growth is overdue, but aspirations for the PWR to be fully professional will only come to fruition from financial stability – something club rugby union in England is yet to master.
