Women's

Kick-off in the Tennent’s Women’s Premier League

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Scottish Rugby have announced the launch of this season’s Tennent’s Women’s Premier League in what will be the last campaign before a restructure is implemented next year.

Scottish Rugby have announced the launch of this season’s Tennent’s Women’s Premier League in what will be the last campaign before a restructure is implemented next year.

Captains from seven of the eight sides joined their male counterparts at BT Murrayfield, as Tennent’s continue their sponsorship of both leagues.

Six of the eight clubs have already begun their season, with Hillhead Jordanhill, Stirling County and Watsonian all picking up wins on week one.

Director of Rugby Development, Sheila Begbie said at the launch: “We’re looking forward to another year of domestic competition and all the teams will be raring to go as we enter a new season of Tennent’s Premiership action.

“This is a highly competitive league which provides a platform for players to test themselves on a weekly basis. “All these clubs continue to work hard to give players the opportunity to play, improve their game and, importantly, be part of a thriving rugby community.”

Last weekend defending champions Hillhead Jordanhill got their title defence underway in perfect fashion, beating Stewartry 41-7.

Newly promoted Annan lost 70-12 at home to Stirling County, whilst Watsonian beat Corstorphine 30-15, with Murrayfield Wanderers and Cartha Queens Park playing their first fixtures on Sunday 2 September.

George Kyle, head of PR and Sponsorship at Tennent’s said: “The first matches of the Tennent’s Premiership and the Tennent’s Women’s Premier League signal the beginning of the domestic season and the first action to take place following the extension of our partnership with Scottish Rugby.

“With clubs across the country preparing for another tough and competitive season in Scotland’s premier club competition we look forward to further developing our relationship with clubs and fans throughout the sport.”

Next year’s revamp will see the league split into three sections: sevens, league, and cup – scheduled to begin in May, with this year’s campaign running from August to November to accommodate the change.

The move is expected to increase participation in the women’s game, and help to build on the foundations at international level, set by a solid Scottish win over Ireland in this year’s Six Nations.

Gemma Fay, Scottish Rugby’s Head of Women & Girls’ Rugby said: “Better weather and considered timings for the season should make playing more attractive for a greater number of women, whatever level they are at.

“Clubs and the national team should benefit from the new structure as game time becomes more regular.

“The new structure not only works alongside the high-performance and international set-up but may even increase the number matches for some players during a time when, in the past, domestic fixtures have been cancelled.”