Sponsorship boost for Women's Premier 15s

The Rugby Football Union is confident of securing new sponsors for elite women's rugby.

Crisp makers, Tyrells, decided against renewing title sponsorship of the Premier 15s last week as parent company, KP Snacks, concentrates on their sponsorship of cricket's new Hundred competition.

But RFU chief executive, Bill Sweeney, confirmed potential new partners had already expressed interest in backing the women’s top flight.

“Some companies are in better shape than others and some see a very good opportunity to enter a market that’s maybe a bit distressed,” he said. “That’s why we wanted to get the announcement out there.

“We have got a couple of very serious, significant players who want to get involved in women’s sport and possibly in women’s rugby, so we’re optimistic we can make something happen.”