England Women Awards Professional Player Contracts

England Women will be awarding professional player contracts for the 15-a-side game for the first time as part of England Rugby’s on-going commitment to the professionalisation of women’s rugby.

There will be 48 player contracts for the 2016/17 season as the squad build towards their bid to retain the Women’s Rugby World Cup next year.

Following the Olympic Games in Rio, 16 players will be awarded full-time contracts with a focus on the 15-a-side game. An additional 16 players will be handed part-time, three-day-a-week contracts with a sevens focus.

RFU Chief Executive Ian Ritchie recognised the importance of providing opportunities for England Women to help develop the game across all levels, saying: “The RFU is committed to supporting the growth of women’s rugby. We are immensely proud of England Women’s achievements and we want to provide the best support to continue this success.

“More women and girls in this country are playing rugby than ever before and England Women are important role models to encourage more people to try our sport.”