The 2022-23 season will see the women's team of Leicester Tigers begin their journey in the second tier in domestic soccer.
Tigers announced last year a merger with Lichfield, a Staffordshire club. They will be playing in Championship North One.
Lichfield was runners-up to Cheltenham, the champions in the 2021-22 campaign.
Andrea Pinchen, chief executive of Tigers, stated that it was crucial to have a women's team that is successful.
“We are determined to play at the highest possible level – the place in Championship rugby next summer is a step in the right direction and we will be applying to the Allianz Premier 15s for 2023-24.
Lichfield applied to be a player in the Premier 15s' inaugural edition in 2017, but was not granted a license.
Each three years, the Rugby Football Union offers a bidding opportunity for clubs interested in having a team in the league. This ensures that there are no promotions or relegations.
Vicky Macqueen (ex-england international), is the club's head for women's rugby.
“The partnership we have with Lichfield is vital not only for next year to ensure that we have the best talent, but also for our ambitions of having a team in top division starting in 2023.”
The Tigers will announce some of the next season's squad members during Saturday's Premiership semifinal between Leicester's men and Northampton Saints.
