Sale Sharks have announced six signings in one day in preparation for the next Premier 15s season with five from exiled side Firwood Waterloo.

Waterloo were forced out of the top flight of women’s rugby are a re-tendering process in April. Now it seems players want to remain in the Premier 15s by jumping ship to their Northern neighbours.

Lock, Beth Stafford has joined from Waterloo and has also played for the Barbarians.

She said: "I'm really looking forward to being part of the Sharks set up next season. The opportunity to be involved in the high performance environment with other ambitious players makes me really excited to see what we can achieve next season."

Another Waterloo star, scrum-half Carys Hall, is also joining the Sharks.

She said: "I can't wait to be part of building a competitive squad focused on high standards & performance. I look forward to developing as a player under the guidance of Darren [Lamon, head of Women’s Rugby] and Katy [Daley-Mclean, player and coach]."

Yet another Waterloo player joining was fly-half Scarlett Fielding.

She said: “I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to play rugby for Sharks. I look forward to being part of the Sharks from the get go. The high standard of coaching & facilities will allow me to further develop as a player.”

Freya Hellin was next on the roster and she’s also joining from Waterloo.

The openside flanker said: "I’m really excited to join such an invested rugby club and keen to learn from not only the coaches but the players also.”

Winger Alicia Calton, also from Waterloo, became the fifth new arrival for Sharks.

She said: “I’m excited to be joining Sharks. It’s a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to being a part of this high performance squad, working with the coaches and experienced players to develop my game.”

And finally, Georgie Perris-Redding the only player not signing from Waterloo, has moved from Worcester Warriors.

The scrum-half said: “I am very excited to be joining Sharks Women in their new venture. The elite performance set-up at Sharks is amazing. To play for Sharks while working for @SharksCommunity is a unique opportunity and I can’t wait to get started!”

The Sharks have already announced England star Katy Daley-Mclean, Scotland star Mhairi Grieve and US international Jessica Wooden as new signings.

The top flight of women’s rugby in England starts its next season in September.