RFU unveils plan for Premier 15s to turn professional with £220m investment

The Rugby Football Union has outlined ambitious plans to professionalise the Premier 15s within the next 10 years as part of a new strategy which will involve a formal “partnership” with Premiership Rugby clubs. 

In the biggest shake-up of English rugby’s women’s top flight since it launched in 2017, £220 million will be invested into the Premier 15s over the next decade, with the aim of securing a free-to-air broadcast deal within that time frame. 

A key element of the new strategy will see the Premier 15s to become a new 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 the 2023-24 season.  

A new salary cap, as well as a phased increase in player salaries and higher standards of officiating, along with a drive to increase the numbers of coaching staff and improve medical cover, are among a flurry of key changes designed to achieve an enhanced performance environment. All league fixtures will be played in stadiums and there will be an increased marketing activity to drive attendances and improve fans’ matchday experience.

The proposals have been devised by a Premier 15s working group which includes a number of key names within English club rugby, including Lucy Wray, the Saracens’ chief executive, Premiership Rugby chief executive Simon Massie-Taylor, and Sue Day, the RFU’s chief