Premiership Women’s Rugby to Announce New Leadership Structure in January

Genevieve Shore, chair of Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR), has stated that a new leadership structure for the league will be revealed in January. Last season, Gloucester-Hartpury secured the Premiership Women’s Rugby title. This announcement comes after the chief executive, Belinda Moore, stepped down from her position in October, having served for 22 months. Speaking to BBC Sport, Shore indicated that Moore’s departure was “not so much a surprise” and that it was “the right time for her.” However, a decision regarding whether Moore’s specific role will be filled has not yet been made. Shore stated, “The board will get together early January and have a good think on what we think the right structure is.” She further explained, “The board is taking a much more hands-on [role] It’s a small company, so it’s not that complex, so we’ve divided up tasks between us.” Shore added, “I’m pretty much here every day, either virtually or in person, and I’ve been doing a lot of the day-to-day [tasks].” With Moore’s departure, Shore, a former Red Roses player and 1994 World Cup winner, has assumed leadership of PWR, a role she described as one she is “really privileged to be part of.” Following Moore’s resignation, the league has seen renewed interest, notably with the signing of Ilona Maher by Bristol Bears. In December, PWR revealed a new collaboration with Canterbury, which will supply three pairs of boots per season to 450 players in the league. Furthermore, PWR is making preparations for its 2025-26 season, which is scheduled to commence after a home Women’s World Cup next summer. Shore affirmed that the English top flight would be “ready to go straight off the back of it,” and indicated that further details on its structure would be announced in the new year. Despite future plans, the ongoing season is under continuous evaluation, with players being closely observed given that the entire PWR campaign is condensed into a five-month period. “It’s intense. So far, the good news is our players are getting fitter and stronger,” Shore commented, adding, “We’re not seeing degradation in the athletes.” The league has now reached its halfway point, with Exeter Chiefs maintaining an undefeated record, having won all seven of their matches.