Today the RFU confirmed that DMP Durham Sharks, as well as Exeter Chiefs Women, Sale Sharks Women and Worcester Warriors Women had secured their place in the competition for the next 3 seasons. The four sides will join the existing six teams who had automatically secured their place; Saracens, Harlequins, Bristol Bears, Gloucester Hartpury, Wasps and Loughborough Lightning.

Lee Rust, Group Managing Director for Darlington Mowden Park RFC commented:

“We’re delighted to have secured our place in the Premier 15s for the next three year cycle. The Sharks programme has transformed over the last three years establishing itself in a new era of professionalism. Today’s news is testament and reward for an enormous amount of hard work that both players and staff have put in.’’

“As a club we’re looking forward to the next three year cycle and to developing women’s rugby in the North East and Yorkshire. Our enhanced partnership with Durham University will provide even more scope for progression and together we’re committed to driving this team and the game forwards.”

The new partnership with Durham University is set to provide transformational benefits to the Sharks rugby programme including: additional investment; access to the new £32m Maiden Castle facility development; support from leading university sport, medical, performance and strength & conditioning practitioners; integration to the universities global network; and scholarship support for international standard student-athletes. The new partnership will also see the programme re-branded as DMP Durham Sharks to reflect the relationship and a significant combined commitment to develop a leading women’s rugby programme.

Mark Brian, Head of Sport and Physical Activity at Durham University, commented:

"We’re delighted to have supported and secured a place in the Premier 15s for the next three years. As a University we’re excited to play a significant part in the development of this performance programme and the wider game."

"The university has a proven track record with various high-profile sport franchises and we’ve recognised this as an outstanding opportunity to play a key part in the leading domestic women’s rugby competition in the world."

Confirmed Premier 15s Sides for 2020/21 – 2022/23

Bristol Bears Women
DMP Durham Sharks
Exeter Chiefs Women
Gloucester-Hartpury Women
Harlequins Women
Loughborough Lightning
Sale Sharks Women
Saracens Women
Wasps FC Ladies
Worcester Warriors Women

Nicky Ponsford, RFU Head of Women’s Performance said:

"My thoughts and those of all of us at the RFU are with everyone impacted by COVID-19, both across the country and within our rugby union community."

"I’d like to thank all clubs for their co-operation, especially in recent weeks where even during these unprecedented circumstances, we have managed to adapt and continue to work to original timelines."

"We said from the outset that this process allows us to recognise the input of current clubs but still open up the league to potential new entrants with a geographical spread maintained where possible and that’s reflected in the results."

“The quality of the applications was very high."

"We’re looking forward to working with those clubs who have been with us since the league launched in 2017 as well as welcome Exeter and Sale, both of whom have exciting plans which will undoubtedly add quality to the division both on and off the field."