Matchroom's Hearn expected to increase Prem influence

Renowned boxing promoter Eddie Hearn is expected to ramp up his influence in rugby union after meeting with Prem bosses in Monaco last week. Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has signed British and Irish Lions Finn Russell and Henry Pollock Hearn, who runs Matchroom Sport, has made a foray into rugby by signing high-profile players Finn Russell and Henry Pollock to his stable. And the sports mogul has been backed to make a big impact in the sport by senior figures in the English game. "[Matchroom] will be a force for good. [Hearn] sees that rugby is on a great trajectory and he's very pro the Prem," said Prem Rugby chief executive Simon Massie-Taylor.

"I think his ambition goes beyond just representing top athletes. "He doesn't want to be a disruptor. He wants to work with the league, but he definitely wants to agitate for more growth and sees a lot of potential." Hearn has spoken previously of his desire to "turbo-charge" the profile of rugby union and its players, adding it would be a "stroll in the park" to transform the sport. "I'd expect him to represent some more of the top stars in the Prem," said Massie-Taylor. "And so you start to move into other options, whether that's around events, big games, or something specifically commercial around the players