Prem prioritises English expansion despite Welsh interest

The English rugby Premiership is focused on expanding with English clubs, despite reported Welsh interest in joining the league.

The league has 10 teams and aims to reach 12 by 2029-30.

Any club seeking to join must first spend at least a year in the Championship and meet entry standards that are still being finalised.

Welsh clubs would also need approval from England’s Rugby Football Union to enter the league.

Wales currently has four professional men’s teams in the United Rugby Championship, but the Welsh Rugby Union plans to decide the future model for the men’s game by the end of this season and has proposed cutting one team by 2028.

The WRU has committed to keeping four teams in the URC through 2027-28, while saying it continues to review competition options.

Talks between the WRU and Premiership executives have taken place, but claims that negotiations are advanced are inaccurate.