Saturday, November 23, 2024

Premiership Women’s Rugby: 2024-25 season to be shortened to help England prepare for World Cup

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The nine clubs will have to launch their campaigns without their international stars, which will have a bigger impact for some sides.

With the league season over in March, Red Roses players will have their mandatory rest period following the conclusion of the 2025 Six Nations, before entering the England camp for the World Cup in the summer.

The completion of the mandatory rest period means PWR clubs will gain quicker access to their England internationals after the World Cup.

Moore recognises that the changes will put “pressure” on the players and staff who continue to combine work and playing around a tighter schedule.

Two reserve weekends will still be built into the calendar and all nine clubs in the PWR will still have rest weeks.

When asked if the condensed schedule could become the standard format, Moore explained it was “less likely we’d go back to this short season again”, but added “never say never”.

This season’s final between defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury and Bristol Bears will take place in Exeter on Saturday, 22nd June and will be shown live on BBC iPlayer.

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