In a groundbreaking move for women’s rugby, Beantown Rugby, one of New England’s most storied and successful clubs, is transitioning to the newly formed Women’s Elite Rugby (WER), a professional league set to launch in 2025. WER’s formation signals a pivotal moment in the growth of women’s rugby, providing top-tier athletes with a professional platform to showcase their talent on a national stage.
The Formation of WER
The creation of WER follows years of steady growth in women’s rugby participation across the United States. This new league, set to feature teams from Boston, Chicago, and Denver, offers a professional environment for female rugby players for the first time in North America . Beantown’s inclusion in WER highlights New England’s commitment to advancing the women’s game, positioning the team among a select group of elite competitors.
WER will operate as a 15s competition (15 players per side), with matches set to begin in 2025. In addition to Boston, Chicago, and Denver, three more markets were announced: San Diego, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. . These teams are expected to draw top athletes from the national and international rugby scene, elevating the competition and offering more visibility to the sport in North America.
Beantown Rugby’s Transition to WER
Beantown Rugby’s involvement in WER is a testament to the club’s legacy of excellence. Founded in 1976, Beantown has been a powerhouse in women’s rugby, competing in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) for years. Although the WPL season just concluded, with Beantown ranking 5th overall, the club is now preparing for an exciting future in WER .
WER will offer Beantown’s players the chance to compete at the highest level domestically, with professional training facilities, sponsorship opportunities, and the possibility of paid contracts. This transition is not only a new chapter for the team but also a monumental shift for women’s rugby in the U.S., as athletes can now pursue rugby as a career.
A Professional Future for Women’s Rugby
The launch of WER aligns with a global trend of professionalizing women’s sports. Rugby, in particular, has seen significant growth, with more media coverage, fan engagement, and investment from sponsors. The league aims to capitalize on this momentum, providing a high-performance environment for athletes and an opportunity to inspire the next generation of women rugby players .
For Beantown, the transition to WER is a step towards greater visibility and professional recognition. The team will now have the opportunity to compete against the best in the country, bringing high-level rugby to fans in New England and beyond.
As WER gears up for its inaugural season, fans of Beantown Rugby and women’s rugby enthusiasts alike can look forward to a thrilling new era of professional competition. Stay tuned for more updates as Beantown and the rest of WER’s teams prepare to take the field in 2025.
Follow the latest news and updates about Beantown Rugby and WER at WER’s official site, and get ready for an exciting season of professional women’s rugby!
This article draws from multiple sources about the formation of Women’s Elite Rugby, including coverage from Rugby Breakdown, AP News, and Linda Roth PR.
