Harlequins star Emily Robinson confident of Premiership Women's Rugby turning professional in '5 to 10 years'

Harlequins and England forward Emily Robinson is confident the Premiership Women's Rugby league will turn professional in "five to 10 years".

Formerly known as Premier 15s, the top flight of women's rugby union in England was re-branded for the start of this season.

Premiership Women's Rugby is currently a semi-professional league, although more than 20% of players are full-time. Robinson told BBC Sport she was sure that would become 100% in time.

"It is an easy aim for that full-time professional league," she said. "Five to 10 years I think is what it will take."

One match per round of Premiership Women’s Rugby is broadcast live on TNT Sports, with Robinson positive about the increased coverage of the league.

"I think the sport is capable of great things," she said. "It's just we obviously need the viewers. We need to reach the people who want to watch it."

Harlequins, who will be hoping to improve on last season's fifth-placed finish, started their campaign with a 22-17 win against Ealing Trailfinders.

Robinson's younger sister Flo has recently made the transfer after three seasons with Exeter Chiefs.

"Flo is a brilliant player but she brings something we might not necessarily have had before," Robinson said. "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."

This weekend’s match on TNT Sports is an exciting fixture between Exeter Chiefs and Bristol Bears.

Both teams won their opening encounters of the season. Bristol thumped Sale Sharks 48-5, with Abbie Ward scoring a try just 17 weeks after giving birth to her daughter Hallie, while Exeter got past Leicester Tigers 44-27.

Bristol head coach Dave Ward has made two changes to the side from the win over Sale, bringing Evie Gallagher into the back row for her club debut. Meryl Smith replaces the injured Amber Reed in the midfield.

Exeter head coach Susie Appleby has added six internationals to her starting line-up following their return from WXV.

England's Maisy Allen and Claudia MacDonald, Canada's front-row duo DaLeaka Menin and Emily Tuttosi, and Rachel Johnson of the United States are all back in.

Japan's Kanako Kobayashi is also set to return after a year's absence on account of a knee injury.

The clash will be shown on TNT Sports 1, with coverage getting underway at 12:15 UK time on Sunday, November 26.

Sunday 26 November: Exeter Chiefs v Bristol Bears - 12.30pm

Sunday 3 December: Leicester Tigers v Loughborough Lightning - 5.30pm

Saturday 9 December: Harlequins v Exeter Chiefs - 3pm

Saturday 16 December: Exeter Chiefs v Gloucester-Hartpury - 3pm

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