WRU lodges interest to enter team in expanded PWR

Welsh rugby has taken a first significant step towards entering a team in England’s top flight women’s competition.

Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) is considering expanding the nine-team league to clubs outside of England.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has confirmed it has formally lodged an expression of interest, with director of rugby Dave Reddin describing the prospect as a “really exciting option we have to investigate”.

He added: “Taking this official step allows us to understand the proposition from PWR more fully and what would be required from us to participate in any league expansion.”

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has also confirmed its interest in entering a team.

Wales currently has two women’s sides, Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning, competing in the Celtic Challenge alongside clubs from Ireland and Scotland.

But joining the most lucrative and competitive domestic league in Europe has long been an ambition, with 28 of Wales’ 38-strong Six Nations squad playing in the PWR.

Leicester and Trailfinders are the most recent clubs to enter, when they joined Gloucester-Hartpury, Bristol, Sale, Exeter, Saracens, Harlequins and Loughborough three years ago.

Wales head coach Sean Lynn, who won three consecutive titles with Gloucester-Hartpury, said he was keen for a Welsh team to be part of the competition.

“From my personal experience, having worked within the PWR, I appreciate what the league has done for women’s rugby globally and its ability to attract the best players from around the world,” he said.

“There has always been a significant Welsh player representation in the PWR and I know there has always been an appetite for Welsh teams to play in the league.”

Should the WRU be successful in its bid, the team would likely be based in Cardiff, where the prospect of Anglo-Welsh competition could attract good crowds.

The Union currently owns Cardiff Rugby, with the Arms Park already home to Wales women and its age-grade teams.