Worcester Warriors Women, formerly known as Worcester Valkyries, are a women's rugby union club in Worcester, Worcestershire, England. They were founded in 1993, as Worcester Ladies, and play in the Premier 15s.[1] They were originally created as the women's team of Worcester Wanderers, but became part of the English Premiership team Worcester Warriors' organisation ahead of the 2016/17 season. They subsequently became an independent entity during the 2022–23 season on the demise of their parent company.[2]
History
Worcester Ladies were formed in 1993 by Mark Edwards, who also set up women's rugby union teams at Droitwich RFC and Malvern RFC.[3] They initially played in the national leagues. In 1998, they were promoted into the Women's Premiership for the first time.[4] Worcester Ladies has close links with the University of Worcester with some players playing for both Worcester Ladies and the University of Worcester's women's rugby union team.[5] In 2013, Worcester Ladies won their first Women's Premiership title after a bonus-point victory against Wasps Ladies to stop Richmond Women winning a fourth consecutive title.[6]
Worcester Ladies have a local rivalry with Lichfield Ladies.[7] Being affiliated to Worcester Warriors, Worcester Ladies play their home matches at Worcester Warriors' Sixways Stadium.[4]
In August 2022, Warriors Women and the University of Worcester agreed a multi-year landmark deal which would see the team renamed University of Worcester Warriors.[8]
Due to ongoing financial difficulties experienced in 2022. Worcester Warriors Women were suspended from all competitions on 26 September 2022 and the company was placed into administration.[9]
The suspension was temporarily lifted on 26 October when it was confirmed that University of Worcester Warriors had received funding and insurance to compete until Christmas 2022.[10]
In October 2023, Worcester withdrew from the 2023–24 Premiership Women's Rugby league and cup competitions. This decision was made after the club's owners, Cube International, chose to cut the team's funding.[11]