The Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) season kicks off at the Stoop this Friday, riding high on the wave of excitement generated by England’s recent Rugby World Cup triumph. The Red Roses’ success against Canada at Twickenham has inspired a surge of interest in women’s rugby, setting the stage for a landmark domestic campaign.
Images of captain Zoe Aldcroft celebrating with the trophy have become iconic, symbolizing a new era for the sport. Gloucester-Hartpury, champions for three consecutive seasons, will be looking to extend their dominance, with Aldcroft eager to replicate her World Cup celebrations in the league final scheduled for 28 June.
The World Cup drew record-breaking crowds and television audiences, and the challenge now is to sustain that momentum in the domestic competition. Early signs are promising, with over 30,000 tickets already sold for England’s Six Nations opener against Ireland at Twickenham in April. PWR’s leadership is focused on capitalizing on this momentum by improving fan engagement, streamlining ticketing systems, and ensuring that the sport’s new supporters can easily transition from international to club rugby.
The upcoming season will also see an influx of international stars, with New Zealand’s Georgia Ponsonby joining Ealing, England’s Holly Aitchison signing for Sale, and Ireland’s Aoife Wafer moving to Harlequins. These high-profile additions highlight the growing competitiveness and global appeal of the league.
Off the field, attention is turning to the proposed breakaway R360 league, set to launch in 2026. While it has yet to confirm any signings, major unions including England and New Zealand have warned that players joining the new competition will be ineligible for international duty. For now, PWR officials are focusing on strengthening their own brand and view competition as an opportunity for innovation rather than a threat.
The season opens with Harlequins hosting Loughborough Lightning, while Bristol Bears sit out the first round. With growing interest, strategic leadership, and world-class talent on display, Premiership Women’s Rugby is poised to make 2025–26 a defining season — one that cements its place at the heart of England’s sporting landscape.
