2017-2018
The league was officially launched as Premier 15s in the 2017-18 season, consisting of 10 teams: Saracens, Harlequins, Loughborough Lightning, Wasps, Gloucester Hartpury, Bristol Bears, Richmond, Darlington Mowden, Firwood Waterloo and Worcester Valkyries. The league consisted of many high-profile players, those of which include Marlie Packer, Rachel Burford and Shaunagh Brown.
The league development was part of a £2.4m investment from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) over a three-year-period, aiming to improve the standards of the women’s game.
During the season Tyrrells crisps came on as the official title sponsor, with the league therefore being referred to as Tyrells Premier 15s (TP15s).
The final was held at the home of Ealing Trailfinders, where Harlequins faced Saracens. The result was 20-24 to Saracens, who in turn lifted the very first trophy.
2018-19
Saracens dominated the 2018-19 season, making it to two consecutive finals. This year it was held at Franklin’s Gardens and Saracens beat Harlequins 33-17 to win back-to-back trophies.
It was during this season that the Red Roses (England Women) were offered professional contracts for the first time. Those players were all playing full-time in the league.
2019-20
The 2019-20 season was abandoned in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Saracens were at the top of the table but did not get to take the trophy home due to the early end to the season.
The tender entry mechanism was approved into the league, meaning that clubs apply and are then selected to be in the league, rather than the introduction of promotion and relegation.
2020-21
A new tender was made this season, meaning the top 6 teams in the competition went through, and the bottom 4 teams had to apply for their place. As a result of this tender, Richmond and Firwood were replaced by Exeter Chiefs and Sale Sharks.
The COVID-19 restrictions were eased, giving professional rugby the go-ahead, with adaptations. The laws of the game were adapted, including the games being shortened and played behind closed doors.
The sponsorship with Tyrell came to an end and the league welcomed Allianz as its new title sponsor, and as such became known as the Allianz Premier 15s (AP15s).
The final was between Saracens and Harlequins and played at Kingsholm. It was Harlequins who came out victorious this time, beating Saracens 25-17 and earning their first title.
2021-22
The 2021-22 season was crucial for the development of women’s rugby in England. This saw the introduction of new minimum operating standards, including higher requirements for medical and training facilities, and staff required. It also saw the introduction of Hawkeye - a top-tier technology system used to enhance decision making and analysis.
This season, the RFU streamed over 40 matches online and produced quality highlights packages of the games. The 2021-22 final saw Exeter Chiefs play in their first final, put up against two-time winners, Saracens. The result was 43-21 to Saracens, who took home the trophy for the third time in four seasons.
2022-23
The 2022-23 season marked a shift in the performances across the league. Saracens, who were the current holders and most successful club in the league history, were knocked out by Exeter Chiefs in the semi-final.
The two teams remaining were Gloucester Hartpury and Exeter Chiefs, and the final was hosted at Kingsholm (temporarily named Queensholm for the final). It was here that Gloucester Hartpury claimed their first title, beating their opponents 34-19.
The final drew a record attendance of 9,668 fans, which was more than double the crowd of the previous year.
2023-24
The 2023-24 season marks the launch of Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR), after six seasons under the Premier 15s branding. Leicester Tigers and Trailfinders were introduced to the league, replacing Wasps and DMP Sharks.
Shortly before the start of the season, it was announced that Worchester Warriors would withdraw from the competition due to lack of funding. This saw the introduction of ‘bye’ weekends, a round in the fixture calendar where one team is not scheduled to play.
The final saw another new team introduced, Bristol Bears. They faced title holders, Gloucester Hartpury, who beat them 36-24 to become back-to-back champions.
2024-25
The 2024-25 season started with a few familiar faces missing, with some international players still representing their country in WXV, the World Rugby Tournament. The fixture list was condensed to balance player welfare in preparation for the 2025 Rugby World Cup, which was set to feature 129 PWR players.
The final was hosted at the StoneX stadium in London, the first time a final was held in the capital city since 2017-18 season. The final two names were Saracens and Gloucester Hartpury, with both teams itching to mark their dominance on the league.
It was Gloucester Hartpury that were victorious and crowned three-peat Champions, winning the title back-to-back-to-back!
2025-26
The 2025-26 season kicks off on October 24th and is the most anticipated one yet. It will be the first tournament following on from the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which is being held in England.
The Twickenham Stoop will host the PWR final on the 28th of June 2026, where it will be a battle of the best. The stoop has an impressive capacity of almost 15,000 and is set to be the biggest and best domestic final yet. With the constant development of the players and seeing them shine on the international stage, who will take home the prestigious PWR trophy?
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