British and Irish League: Historic Opportunity in Women's Rugby

The Professional Women’s Rugby (PWR), considered the most advanced women’s rugby competition in the world, has launched a process to evaluate the incorporation of new teams. Currently, the league has nine English teams but could expand to include teams from Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. This expansion would represent the first time that the top category of English rugby, both men's and women's, extends beyond its core territory.

In documents reviewed by City AM, PWR executive chair Genevieve Shore stated: “We are pleased to confirm that PWR is inviting UK and Ireland based organizations to submit their interest in becoming part of the league’s future.”

The incorporation of teams from other nations could transform the women's rugby landscape. The West Country side, Gloucester-Hartpury, has won the last three PWR titles and remains unbeaten this year, with a base of players from Wales. The boom in women's rugby is evident, especially after the Red Roses' victory in the Women's Rugby World Cup in front of 82,000 spectators at Allianz Stadium last year.

England is close to selling out their opening Women’s Six Nations fixture against Ireland at the same venue in April.

Expressions of interest will close at the end of April, with further engagement expected from May. The earliest entries will be considered for the 2027-28 rugby season, coinciding with the expansion plans of Prem Rugby, the men's top category.

The application document states: “Joining PWR offers organizations the opportunity to contribute to a rapidly growing league with increasing commercial value, an expanding audience base, and a strategic ambition to become the world’s most competitive women’s rugby competition.”

Inclusion in the PWR provides organizations with the possibility of being part of a growing league, with increasing commercial value and an expanding audience base. This process invites organizations to express their interest in being included in the competition structure in future seasons, including the possibility for new organizations to become shareholders in the league.

This initiative reflects PWR's commitment to driving the growth and competitiveness of women's rugby globally.

The expansion of the PWR represents a unique opportunity to transform women's rugby, promoting the inclusion of teams from different countries and strengthening the league's competitiveness. This project seeks to consolidate PWR as the most outstanding women's rugby competition in the world, attracting new talent and increasing public interest.

The decision to expand the league reflects the growing popularity of women's rugby and its potential to attract a wider audience.