PREM Rugby and RFU committed to expanding top flight with English clubs despite Welsh interest
English rugby's governing bodies say they are committed to expanding the PREM with sides from England rather than clubs from Wales.
Reports emerged on Wednesday that suggested the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) was interested in joining a cross-border competition.
The PREM is aiming expand from 10 to 12 sides in time for the 2029/2030 season but PREM Rugby and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) 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 said in a joint statement.
"The PREM is an attractive league and responsibility for its expansion sits with the Men's Professional Rugby Board (MPRB), which has established detailed entry criteria that any prospective club would need to satisfy."
Despite that position, the WRU - which last week announced a loss of £18.1m for 2025/26 - issued a statement confirming its commitment to supplying four teams to the United Rugby Championship until the 2027/28 season while also highlighting the attraction of joining the Prem.
"By the end of the 2027/28 season, the WRU will have determined the future operating model for the men's game in Wales," the statement read.
"The WRU will continue to work with other shareholders in the URC on future Welsh representation in the competition.
"The WRU keeps under review the competition opportunities which may be available across the game and could be in the best interests of Welsh rugby.
"The idea of Anglo-Welsh competitions is something that is often debated by Welsh rugby fans.
"The WRU understands the appeal of the English top-flight, which is why we are pitching for two of our women's teams, Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning, to be included in Premiership Women's Rugby."
- Last
- October, 28
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29 of October 2026
