Premiership Women’s Rugby and Wates Group Renew Official Partnership

Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) can today announce the renewal of its official partnership with Wates Group, one of the UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies.

The renewal covers the next two years, building on a successful first year of partnership, with the same shared goal of redefining what inclusion and equal opportunity look like in both elite sport and the built environment sectors.

Wates and PWR will continue to work together to find ways to promote careers in the built environment to players and fans. This will come to life across PWR’s nine clubs, from Exeter in the south-west to Sale Sharks in the north-west, through match-day messaging on the pitch-side LED systems, player appearances, events and social media campaigns.

Genevieve Shore, Executive Chair of Premiership Women’s Rugby, said: “I am delighted to be renewing our partnership with Wates Group, after what was such a successful first year. Watching the incredible PWR athletes walk out at our Final with the Wates logo emblazoned across the StoneX pitch was a real highlight of our season, and I look forward to working with them on more eye-catching activations in the future.

“Wates has shown a real commitment to not just women’s rugby, but to the development of women and girls across the country, helping them to build careers they may otherwise have not considered. Having our values so closely align with a partner is tremendously inspiring.”

Eoghan O’Lionaird, Chief Executive at Wates Group, said: “Following an exciting first year of partnership with PWR we’re deepening our relationship to drive real change – encouraging more women and girls to build careers in sectors where they’ve traditionally been underrepresented.

“The response to our campaign was so encouraging, with many saying they’d now consider a future in the built environment. That’s exactly the kind of impact we want to have.

“PWR shares our commitment to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can thrive. Together, we’re challenging outdated perceptions and showing women and girls that the built environment is an industry where they can build exciting, rewarding careers – and continue to make a meaningful contribution to society.”

Talking about the benefits of having Wates as a partner, Saracens’ Sophie DeGoede, who was named World Rugby Player of the Year at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, said: “Not only do they take financial pressure off the league by offering up their sponsorship, but they also really want to get involved with the league and with our players.”

The partnership renewal was celebrated at a recent roundtable event, hosted by Wates and PWR, with high-profile women from the world of rugby attending, including Rugby Union Player Emma Wassell. The dynamic discussion spotlighted how both sectors – women’s rugby and the built environment – are challenging long-standing gender misconceptions and driving progress.