England Rugby today (Monday 6th April) confirmed that Sale Sharks have been successful in our application to have a team represented in the top domestic league in England, the Tyrells Premier 15s. Sale Sharks Women will take part in the league from the 2020/21 for three years and will be joined by; –

Bristol Bears Women

DMP Durham Sharks

Exeter Chiefs Women

Gloucester-Hartpury Women

Harlequins Women

Loughborough Lightning

Saracens Women

Wasps FC Ladies

Worcester Warriors Women

Sale Sharks have been inspired by the progress and impact made by Sale FC and the Sale 1861 team that won the National Challenge 1 League this season and the Sale Sharks Women will continue to work alongside them.

Sale Sharks will use the opportunity of playing in the Tyrell Premier 15s to further grow the participation in the girls’ and women’s game as well as offering an elite ‘Centre of Excellence’ to develop the talent in the region. Being able to offer the best talent in the north west a professional rugby set-up that will aim to be competing with the best in the country will hope to stop the current trend of top players leaving the region.

Sale Sharks co-owner Michelle Orange said, “Since investing in Sale Sharks, Simon and I have realised that we are so much more than a club but a family. Given these unknown times, family has never been more key in our lives. The opportunity to establish Sale Sharks Women will complete our family unit and help us play our part in reinforcing the importance of sport for all, be it as a participant or spectator or supporter. We look forward to building our women’s team and seeing the resumption of play across all facets of rugby union.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at England Rugby for their time and support during this tender process”.

There will be a host of positions available within the new Sale Sharks Women’s team, and if you are interested in playing, coaching, administration or volunteering, please contact womensrugby@salesharks.com