WORCESTER women's rugby team face a crucial game this month against Darlington Mowden Park Sharks when their Premiership status will be at stake.

Next season, the Women's Rugby Premiership will be reduced to seven teams.

Therefore Worcester, who finished bottom of the top flight this term, now face a play-off with the Sharks to see which side will play in the Premiership next term.

Darlington Mowden Park Sharks won the Championship North Division One title, which saw them face Bath Ladies, winners of the southern division, in the Championship Cup final.

The Sharks triumphed 29-17 with England fly-half Katy McLean touching down for two tries and kicking three penalties and a conversion.

Darlington will now take on Worcester at a neutral venue on Sunday, April 27, to vie for promotion into the Premiership next season.

n In the Women's National Under 18s Cup final, Worcester edged a narrow 17-15 victory against Welwyn/Basford.