Lichfield out of top flight rugby from next season after losing appeal

Melissa Wright

Former Reporter, ITV News Central

Lichfield Ladies, one of England's most successful women's sides, will play no part in top flight rugby next season after losing their appeal to be included in next year's competition.

The Premiership side had appealed an earlier decision to leave them out of next year's new Super Rugby competition.

But following a review by an independent panel, the RFU announced this afternoon that the panel had not found any evidence of "unfairness" against the club during the selection process.

Lichfield Ladies will play no part in top flight rugby next season. Credit: ITV News Central

Lichfield has produced some of England's finest women's players, including World Cup winner Emily Scarratt and England captain Sarah Hunter.

The club were well represented in this year's Six Nations, with several players playing a key role in England's Grand Slam winning team.

England's Emily Scarratt at Twickenham. Credit: PA Images

They finished third in the current Women's Premiership this year after beating Saracens 41-14 in the third place play-off.