VALE of Lune ladies are officially champion - and will now be playing top-flight national rugby union next season.
The Powder House Lane women have swept all before them this season and been crowned Premiership Two champions.
They have now accepted promotion into the English women's game elite.
And delighted manager Sue Garnett says: "The girls have done so well over this season - and now we are looking forward to the challenges of next year.
"We will be one of the top eight teams in the country but we will have to work hard if we want to stay there - and will have to focus all summer on getting ready for the first game in the new league in September."
Vale wrap up their season with the final league game due to be played on April 10 at Richmond - who have been one of the major rivals for honours.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article