Sale Sharks flanker Georgie Perris-Redding was relieved to have her side’s place in the Premier 15s next season confirmed by the RFU.
Both Sale and Worcester Warriors were issued with a conditional offer to join the English top flight for the 2023/24 season onwards.
Both were omitted from the list of eight clubs selected in the initial tender process in December, however it was confirmed that Sale will remain in the league as the RFU wants to maintain a women’s rugby presence in the north of England.
Perris-Redding said: “It’s been a stressful time these past weeks, so it was a huge relief that we could continue in the league and more importantly for northern rugby it’s vital. When you think about all the players that have come from the north; the likes of Abbie Ward, Emily Scarratt, Hollie Aitchison have gone all the way at this level. So, it’s great for the sport and great for Sale.”
USA international Perris-Redding is enjoying a sensational season for Sale with four tries in nine appearances so far this season with her trademark finishes from halfway causing a storm on social media.
She said: “I am really enjoying my rugby, this season has come off the back of a tough World Cup with USA not playing as much as I wanted too. Sale have been fantastic in creating this environment where we all play without fear and are able to express ourselves with our rugby. This season has been a great opportunity to have some fun out there as well.”
Rugby union in and around Sale is always battling for coverage with other sports but Perris-Redding seeks inspiration from the rise of women’s football across the country.
She said: “Football is the biggest one we battle with especially in Manchester as we’ve got two of the biggest clubs in the world here. It is a battle but the only benefit is seeing the growth women’s football has had. Although we might be competing in fourth as athletes in the area, it shows the growth of women’s sport and the potential for commercial opportunities as well.”
The 25-year-old says her side have their sights set on reaching the top four this season after winning five of their opening nine games.
She said: “If you don’t strive for the best then you definitely won’t get it.
So, we go out there wanting to win every game irrelevant of whether we’re facing top of the table or bottom. We’ve had a couple of really tough seasons and have been so close to getting wins in tight games in the past. So, for us this season to be able to finish opportunities has been fantastic and I think we’re just getting started which is the exciting bit. We’re happy with our current place in sixth but we feel we can go even higher.”
Harlequins and Saracens, who have combined to win the last four titles, haven’t had their own way this season with both sides dropping points and with the rise of Exeter and unbeaten Gloucester-Hartpury, Perris-Redding feels the current competitiveness is needed in the Premier 15s.
She said: “The more competitive the league gets, the more inviting it is to bigger partners, more people watching it and more girls wanting to play. It’s an exciting time.”
