The following is a short statement by our chairman Mark Francis in response to the recent news, surrounding Elite Women’s domestic rugby here in the UK:
“Having spoken to our Premierships Clubs, the collective view is one both of real excitement about the expanded Super League for next season and a total dismay that Lichfield will not be part of this elite competition.
We are delighted that the league will be expanded to 10 clubs with some great new blood and the very welcome return of Waterloo to the top flight of women’s rugby. It makes this a truly National League again.
The decision, however to lock out Lichfield for the next three seasons is incomprehensible to us.
We genuinely fear that the competition will be weakened by the loss of a team which could in fact win the Premiership this season. They have been excellent ambassadors for our sport, great at developing young players like the England World Cup final try scoring hero Emily Scarratt. Lichfield hosts many of our major finals every year, so it is hard to understand how their bid could not have made the grade. We would welcome the RFU reconsidering this decision”
Mark Francis
Chair Women’s Premiership Group
