The RFU and DMP Durham Sharks are delighted to announce that the club have been successful in sourcing the funding required to continue in the Allianz Premier 15s.

Following a combination of crowdfunding, sponsorship and public support, the Sharks have managed to raise the required funds to meet the necessary standards and will therefore participate in the 2022/23 season as planned.

The two parties will continue to be in regular dialogue throughout the pre-season period.

2022/23 Allianz Cup and Allianz Premier 15s fixtures will be announced on Wednesday 17 August.

On behalf of everyone at the club we’d like to thank everyone who has supported the Sharks in any way in recent weeks. The backing of members, supporters, sponsors and the general public has been incredible and has truly shown the power of sport. We would also like to thank the RFU for their support over what has been a very testing time for the club.

The club will continue to work hard to develop further commercial revenue streams to ensure a sustainable future for the Sharks and women’s rugby in the North East.

A Sharks player statement added: “We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for all your donations, messages of support and help in sharing our predicament to the wider public. It would not have been possible to secure this outcome without you. We truly are a team of the people.”

Stay tuned for more information on fixtures and season tickets coming up next week.