Ten teams have been selected to compete in the new Women’s Super Rugby competition, as the game’s governing body steps up its efforts to improve the female game.

Bristol Ladies Rugby, Darlington Mowden Park Sharks, Firwood Waterloo Ladies, Harlequin FC, Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s RFC, Loughborough Lightning, Richmond FC, Saracens Women, Wasps Ladies and Worcester Warriors RFC will all compete in the inaugural league from September 2017.

All applicants chosen have been asked to deliver against a minimum set of standards to “support an increasingly professional game”.

These include: develop coaching resources; provide teams with sport science experts; and improve playing and training environment.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is making a “multi-million pound investment” over the next three years to aid this.

It follows the RFU’s announcement that it is aiming to double the number of women and girls playing rugby to 50,000, and the arrival of professional contracts for women playing 15-a-side.

Nigel Melville, RFU’s director of professional rugby, said the league was “another significant development for women’s rugby in this country.”

“Women’s Super Rugby will drive standards in the game, both domestically and at an elite level, and continue to encourage more women and girls to play the sport,” he added.