Worcester Warriors Women have become the third club in the Allianz Premier 15s to form a partnership with a university, with the club set to be known as the ‘University of Worcester Warriors' from next season.
Warriors Women, who won the 2013 Women's Premiership title as Worcester Ladies, have long held a close association with the University, but this step formalises that partnership, as they join the Loughborough Lightning and the DMP Durham Sharks as clubs affiliated to universities.
Former Red Roses legend Jo Yapp, who is Director of Rugby at the club and received both her undergraduate degree and PGCE at the University, was confident that links that had benefitted her would provide further opportunities for the squad and club, as she spoke to the club's website.
“I am very appreciative of the support the University of Worcester gave me when I was a student there as it enabled me to balance my studies with playing rugby for England and Worcester,” Yapp said.
“The women's game has developed significantly since then and the game at international and club level is now much more professional but players still need support on and off the pitch to enable them to fulfil their potential.
“The partnership between Worcester Warriors and the University of Worcester is a significant development in encouraging and inspiring more women rugby players to study at the university while continuing to grow and strengthen the women's game at Sixways.”
Warriors have not finished in the top-half since the inception of the Premier 15s in 2017-18, but after finishing bottom with no wins in its inaugural season, have shown steady but consistent improvement.
Though last year's eighth-placed finish was lower than the seventh they achieved the season before, the six wins they managed over the campaign was their highest since the new top tier was formed, and managing director Peter Kelly was keen to emphasise the opportunities both to the team and future players.
“This is a significant partnership for both Worcester Warriors and the University of Worcester,” he said
“With the power of professional sport, it is a fantastic opportunity to drive awareness in the UK and overseas and help attract even more students to our fantastic university and wonderful city.
“This ambitious partnership will inspire the next generation of students to strive for a career in sport, whether that is on field or off field, and as a club we are extremely excited to see what we can achieve together.”
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