Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald welcomes the prospect of an Irish side entering England's Premiership Women's Rugby. Expanding the league could be a game-changer, but only if done right.
Interest in Joining the English Top Flight
Several clubs, including Bath, have registered their interest in joining England's Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR). The expansion of the top flight has no concrete timeline, but the possibility of the league growing has sparked various discussions. Key questions include how non-professional players will handle travel if a club from another home nation is introduced, whether expansion will aid international competition, and how players feel about it.
PWR Expansion Plans
The expression of interest phase was merely an exploratory process, not a formal application to join the league. This move is part of the PWR's 10-year plan to build a sustainable and competitive league. The top flight is widely regarded as the best women's club rugby competition globally, featuring international talents such as Ireland's Aoife Wafer, New Zealand's Alana Borland, and Canada's Sophie de Goede. However, the league currently has only nine teams following Worcester Warriors' demise in 2023.
To express interest, sides had to meet specific criteria, including a £1.2 million annual rugby program investment, facilities meeting PWR competition, broadcast, and training standards, and the ability to field a squad of 45 to 55 players. Welsh, Scottish, and Irish unions are interested, and English clubs have also expressed interest. Bath, the men's Premiership champions, have confirmed their interest, stating they would need investment in the player pool and a robust business plan for sustainable progress.
Clubs had until April 30 to notify the PWR of their interest, with the next steps for expansion uncertain. The league has ruled out expansion for the 2026-27 season but remains open to future growth.
Debate and Challenges
This initial step has sparked debate in women's rugby circles. A major concern is the travel implications for non-professional players. Most PWR players have jobs outside rugby, making it difficult to frequently take time off for travel. Gloucester-Hartpury co-captain Mo Hunt, who has an England contract, noted: "It is all really dependent on when our games are. Sunday games, which we have had predominantly because of TNT coverage this year, have been tough for our girls who return to work on Monday. The travel and playing day would need careful consideration if many players are still working." She added that Friday night games pose similar challenges, and if the league moves toward full professionalism, financial backing must follow.
Player Perspectives
Wales scrum-half Keira Bevan said the possibility of a Welsh team in the PWR is something players would embrace. "All of us want to come and play in Wales. I am with Bristol now and have another year there, but after that, I don't know what my rugby career will look like. If a Welsh team were an option, many girls would definitely consider it. The PWR is the best of the best, as seen by the overseas players who come here. More exposure to top-level competition will only benefit us as a squad when playing in red."
Exeter Chiefs head coach Steve Salvin is excited about increased international competition. "If there is an opportunity to make the league stronger, why not? England are far and away the strongest team in world rugby, but people get addicted to sport through jeopardy. When England wins by 50 or 60 points, that jeopardy is missing. The development of other nations largely rests with them, but if bringing teams into the PWR helps close the gap, that is fantastic. It would strengthen the league and women's rugby worldwide."
Looking Ahead
Ireland hooker Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald welcomes expansion not only for Irish rugby but also for making European competition possible. "It is very exciting for the Irish girls. The central program has been managing the pathway through Celtic Challenge, but Irish teams have been too dominant there. The next step is a Premiership team that can be challenged week in, week out. Everyone would love a European competition in the future, and this is the first step toward that."
Fans, players, clubs, and unions eagerly await the PWR's next move. Expansion seems popular, but how it is handled, particularly for non-professional players, will be crucial to its success.
