Link to RFU Documentation which maybe easier to read: Women’s League & Inner Warrior Series Criteria 2023 – 24
Application form: Women League Entry – EMAIL
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 23:59 SUNDAY 23rd APRIL 2023
If you have any general questions about the league entry process, please contact
The diagram and information below show the current structure and the differences you can expect at each level. If you wish to enter the competition structure, please ensure you can meet any expectations described at the relevant competition level.
Level 2 – Championship 1
- Leagues of no more than 10 teams based on best geographical fit.
- Championship 1 will be split into 2 divisions: North & South
- Teams may mutually agree to move fixtures to a different day – all fixture dates willinitially be pre-set in line with the RFU Women’s Structured Season Calendar.
- Matches will be full World Rugby Laws.
- Clubs should have a minimum of 32 active players registered on the GameManagement System (GMS).
- Clubs that run two sides should have minimum of 50 players registered.Level 3 – Championship 2
- Leagues of no more than 10 teams based on best geographical fit.
- Championship 2 is split into North, Midlands, South East and South West leagues.
- Teams may mutually agree to move fixtures to a different day – all fixture dates willinitially be pre-set in line with the RFU Women’s Structured Season Calendar.
- Matches will be full World Rugby Laws.
- Clubs should have a minimum of 32 active players registered on the GameManagement System (GMS).
- Clubs that run two sides should have minimum of 50 players registered.Level 4 – National Challenge 1
- Leagues of no more than 10 teams based on best geographical fit.
- There are 8 National Challenge 1 leagues.
- Teams may mutually agree to move fixtures to a different day – all fixture dates willinitially be pre-set in line with the RFU Women’s Structured Season Calendar.
- Matches will be full World Rugby Laws.
- Clubs should have a minimum of 25 active players registered on the GameManagement System (GMS).
Level 5 – National Challenge 2
(Playing with World Rugby U19 Law Variations*)
- Leagues of no more than 10 teams based on best geographical fit, with an appropriate number of fixtures agreed in consultation with the clubs.
- Teams may mutually agree to move fixtures to a different day – all fixture dates will initially be pre-set in line with the RFU Women’s Structured Season Calendar.
- Flexibility and options for clubs to help them to play games. These law variations are outlined in RFU Regulation 6 – Adult Competitions.
- Clubs should aim to contact their opposition in the week prior to the fixture to discuss applying Law Variations that may be needed for the game to go ahead.
- Clubs should have a minimum of 22 active players registered on the Game Management System (GMS).*NC2 Law Variations currently under review
Level 6 – National Challenge 3
(Playing with World Rugby U19 Law Variations and the Game On principles)
- Leagues of approximately 6 – 10 teams based on local need and best geographical fit, with an appropriate number of fixtures agreed in consultation with the clubs.
- Flexibility and options for clubs to help them to play games. These include:
o Law variations .
o Game On principles in line with Regulation 6. (All World Rugby Under 19 Law
Variations will take precedence over any conflicting Game On
principles. E.g. game length will be at most 70 minutes). *
- Clubs should aim to contact their opposition in the week prior to the fixture todiscuss applying Game On and/or law variations that may be needed for the game to
go ahead.
- Teams may mutually agree to move fixtures to a different day – all fixture dates willinitially be pre-set in line with the RFU Women’s Structured Season Calendar.
- Clubs should have a minimum of 18 active players registered on the GameManagement System (GMS).
Allianz Inner Warrior Series (IWS)
- IWS aims to suit the needs of players through local development playing opportunities.
- These can vary in playing format (e.g. XRugby7s, The Touch Union, 10 aside, 15 a-side,application of Game On principles or a combination of these).
- Teams may mutually agree to fixtures dates and times.
- Relaxed playing regulations in agreement with those involved.CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 23:59 on SUNDAY 23rd APRIL 2023
If you have any general questions about the league entry process, please contact
womenscompetitions@rfu.com
Please note: submitting your application does not guarantee entry into the desired league selected. If you are unsure of which level you should be competing at then please contact your Competitions Development Officer:
South West
London & South East
Midlands North
Katie Oldrieve
Josh Bence Liz Fletcher
Aaron Howarth
katieoldrieve@rfu.com
joshbence@rfu.com
lizfletcher@rfu.com
aaronhoworth@rfu.com
07706 000780
07526 907887
07715 617828 07590 890802
