Bath Rugby has announced that it will partner with Bath Rugby Ladies. Bath Rugby Ladies is currently part of Bath RFC, a local amateur club, which was once home to England internationals such as Marlie Packer, Izzy Noel-Smith and Natasha Hunt.

Bath Rugby has also outlined transformational objectives it hopes to achieve by 2023/24. Developing a women’s team, the support and infrastructure to meet the application guidelines for the next Allianz Premier 15S next license cycle in 2023/24 is one of the objectives.

Bath Rugby released a press on Wednesday and stated that it wanted to develop performance systems, infrastructure, facilities and commercial foundations that are required to launch a professional women’s team. The Recreation Ground will be at the moment shared by both men’s and women’s teams.

Bath Rugby has also promised to increase grassroots participation and appoint a development lead for women’s rugby. Through the statement, Bath wishes to increase female rugby’s visibility across digital platforms and through the entire club.

According to Bath Rugby chief executive Tarquin McDonald, “girls and women don’t have a clear pathway to the professional game. This is thus one of the biggest barriers of entry which makes it hard to reach levels attained by men”

He went to say that what has been important and will continue to be is a sustainable approach. He says that they want to ensure that the club provides a pathway for long-term growth for girls and women in the game. The partnership seeks to grow the demand for the sport and harness increased participation.

The team recognises that it is behind several teams in the Gallagher Premiership that are competing at elite levels and producing exceptional talents both internationally and at domestic levels. However, the statement from the CEO states they now want to take charge of the future.

Bath RFC Ladies have since confirmed the partnership and are hopeful of the opportunities that will be opened up.

Sarah Burgess, Head of Ladies Rugby at Bath Rugby Ladies, said; “we want people to be entertained and inspired by women’s game. We want to do justice to the women’s game and provide role models that young girls can look up to and know that they can choose a career in sports. Today we have made a major step towards making the dream a reality”.

Bath Rugby Ladies head coach, John Gould, “This moment is important for the regional women’s rugby. Our team has made huge strides both on and off the field. We have recruited over 100 members with the help of Bath RFC, volunteers, our players RFU’s Inner Warrior programme.

“The opportunity with Bath Rugby will help us accelerate our efforts and put us on a path to the Premiership. This will encourage more girls and women to join the sport and thus create future talent.

Experts, fans and sports commentators have appreciated the announcement and congratulated the two for coming together.

Rugby fans and gamblers have something new to look forward to if this new partnership creates the possibilities it is promising. Youwager Review indicates that rugby is one of the most popular sports for gamblers. Let us hope women rugby will get featured more on sportsbooks and also experience increased coverage.