The Women’s Premier League (WPL), the highest level of 15s club rugby in the U.S., has announced its 2016 schedule. The six-week league season kicks off Sept. 10 and concludes Oct. 30. The championship will be held Nov. 11-13 in Atlanta.
All eight teams from 2015 have returned for the upcoming season, and the pools have remained intact as well. The Berkeley All Blues, Glendale Raptors, ORSU and San Diego Surfers comprise the Blue Conference. The Red Conference contains the Atlanta Harlequins, D.C. Furies, New York and Twin Cities Amazons. Teams play each other twice within their respective conferences, and then the top two teams from each advance to the semifinals, while the bottom four teams compete toward 5th place.
Although much remains the same for 2016, the season prior to a Women’s Rugby World Cup is always interesting. The WPL is home to many Eagle pool players, and this competition helps consolidate USA 15s coach Pete Steinberg’s attention. Following the conclusion of the WPL season, the Eagles will embark on a fall tour of France. December then sees the winter National All-Star Competition.
