The rebranding of the Premier 15s, now named Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR), marks a new era for the women’s domestic game in England, which begins on Saturday. Not only is there a new name but there are two new teams and a new broadcasting deal to boot. However, there are some clouds on the horizon.
Worcester men went into administration in September 2022 but the women’s team continued with separate funding saving the side from collapse. The club were also confirmed as part of the 2023-24 women’s Premiership season, much to the delight of the supporters, but the rug was soon yanked from under their feet. On 17 October it emerged the club owners, Cube International, were withdrawing the team from all competitions. The head coach, Jo Yapp, took to social media to share the heartbreak of staff and players. “We felt we were on the verge of a long and successful journey together. To have it ended so abruptly is hard to take,” she wrote.
