Prem and RFU commit to expanding with English clubs after report of Welsh sides joining

Report claimed two Welsh sides could join PremJoint statement said ‘resources focused on English clubs’Prem Rugby and the Rugby Football Union have stated they are committed to expanding the top flight with English clubs in response to a report claiming that two Welsh sides could soon join the competition.According to the report, the Welsh Rugby Union is in advanced discussions with Prem Rugby and the RFU over the possibility of turning the Prem into a cross-border competition. Continue reading…

After a report claimed two Welsh sides could join the Prem, a statement from Prem Rugby and the RFU said their focus was on supporting English clubs Prem Rugby and the Rugby Football Union have stated they are committed to expanding the top flight with English clubs in response to a report claiming that two Welsh sides could soon join the competition. According to the report, the Welsh Rugby Union is in advanced discussions with Prem Rugby and the RFU over the possibility of turning the Prem into a cross-border competition.

It comes as the WRU wrestles with a financial crisis that saw it announce a loss of £18.1m for 2025-26 last week, a figure that it says strengthens its case to reduce the number of regions from four to three. The Prem is aiming to expand from 10 to 12 sides in time for the 2029-2030 season and English rugby’s governing bodies insist their priority is to back domestic teams. “Resources are currently focused on supporting English clubs throughout the pyramid who aspire to join the league,” they