England’s top women’s division being fully professional within 10 years is an “easy aim”, according to Harlequins player Emily Robinson.
Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) is made up largely of part-time or amateur players, though more than 20% are full-time.
Robinson, 23, is a rugby coach and qualified carpenter.
Asked about a full-time league, she said: “It’s definitely achievable, certainly in the Premiership.”
The PWR has rebranded this year, and one of the eight objectives in its 10-year strategy is to “become the first professional women’s club rugby league across all aspects of the game”.
Robinson told BBC Sport: “It is an easy aim for that full-time professional league. Five to 10 years I think is what it will take.”
As well as rebranding, the PWR – previously known as Premier 15s – has signed a new broadcasting deal with TNT Sports.
“I think sport is capable of great things,” said Robinson. “It’s just we obviously need the viewers. We need to reach the people who want to watch it.”
Harlequins’ sister act
Robinson has recently been joined at Harlequins by her younger sister Flo. It is the first time the sisters have been in the same team since 2018, when they played for Pulborough.
Flo, 22, has moved to Quins after three seasons at Exeter Chiefs – and Emily says it is “special” to play alongside her again.
“Flo is a brilliant player but she brings something we might not necessarily have had before,” she added. “I think it is really exciting.
“She wants to play and she is a very competitive player and that is someone you want on your team.”
The Robinson sisters have been in England camps together but are yet to pull on an international shirt at the same time.
Flanker Emily made her Red Roses debut during the 2023 Six Nations, but scrum-half Flo is yet to win her first cap.
“She is in the top three nines in the country,” Emily said of her sister. “I think her future is really bright.
“Whether I am playing with her [when she gets her first cap] or whether I am in the stand, I will definitely cry a little bit and be very proud.
“I think that will be a really big moment – for my whole family but, obviously now feeling really part of her journey, I think it would be really special.”
Having opened their season with a 22-17 win over Trailfinders Women, Quins will travel to Sale Sharks on Saturday (19:00 GMT).
