Leicester Tigers will be deducted five points in this season’s Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby competition.

Administrative errors, which the club have since explained to the RFU and PWR as the cause for the oversight, meant the process was not correctly followed to demonstrate the EQP status of some players.

While disappointed, Leicester Tigers accepts the findings and would like to reiterate our support, as a club, for the EQP regulations within the competition.

RFU statement on PWR Points Deduction:

The RFU can confirm five-point deductions have been placed on Premiership Women’s Rugby clubs, Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks Women.

Following the conclusion of Qualification Period 1, as defined in the Premiership Women’s Rugby Competition Regulations 2023-24, Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks Women failed to achieve a minimum average of 13 English Qualified Players (EQP) in their match day squad.

All PWR clubs signed up to the regulations prior to the start of the 2023-24 season. The deduction will take place automatically today and there is no right of appeal. This will not impact either club’s league position.  

The EQP principle has the full support of both the RFU and Premiership Women’s Rugby as part of its partnership to support the ambitions of the Red Roses, especially with the Women’s Rugby World Cup taking place at home in 2025.

The RFU and Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) welcome athletes from all over the world and appreciate everything they bring to rugby in England.