'A really exciting option': WRU file PWR expression of interest

The Welsh Rugby Union have officially confirmed their submission of an expression of interest bid to join Premiership Women’s Rugby.

In April, PWR announced that they would be accepting expression of interest submissions to help “inform planning for the league’s competition structure” and were accepting bids from outside of England.

Dave Reddin, WRU Director of Rugby and Elite Performance, said: “We are heavily invested in the growth in Women’s rugby. The prospect of having Welsh representation in the PWR as a potential part of that is a really exciting option we have to investigate.

“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 Celtic Challenge is key to the player development pathway in Wales, and we have 28 players in the current senior W6N [Guinness Women’s Six Nations] squad who have played in the league to underline it’s status to the WRU.”

Last week the Irish Rugby Football Union confirmed that they had filed an expression of interest to potentially join PWR.

This season in the Celtic Challenge, Ireland’s Wolfhounds won the competition and Clovers placed second. Wales’ Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning reached the semi-finals of the six-team competition.

All eyes will now be on Scottish Rugby, who are yet to confirm whether they have sent an expression of interest to PWR.

Wales appointed Sean Lynn as their new head coach after he led Gloucester Hartpury to three successive PWR titles.

Sean Lynn, Wales Head coach, said: “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.

“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.”