Rising hopes Irish sides may join Premiership Women’s Rugby as part of English league’s expansion

The IRFU is hoping to secure a couple of team places in the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) in England in advance of the 2028-2029 season as the tournament considers an expansion beyond its constituent clubs.

It’s a sensible move and a legitimate aspiration. England are the world champions and untouchable in the Women’s Six Nations. The PWR is light years ahead in playing standards globally, is underpinned by good crowds and decent financial investment and is where several of Ireland’s top players ply their trade professionally.