Prem Rugby and the Rugby Football Union have officially reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the top-flight competition with English clubs. This declaration serves as a direct response to recent speculation that the league might undergo a cross-border transition to incorporate two Welsh teams.
According to reports, the Welsh Rugby Union has held advanced discussions regarding potential entry into the competition. This interest arrives as the WRU navigates a significant financial downturn, recently reporting a loss of £18.1m for the 2025-26 period. The union has indicated these financial difficulties bolster their argument to consolidate their structure by reducing the number of professional regions from four to three. According to 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, Strengthens its case to reduce the number of regions from four to three.
Despite this, the Prem aims to grow from 10 to 12 teams by the 2029-2030 season, with officials insisting their priority remains internal. In a joint statement, the governing bodies noted: “Resources are currently focused on supporting English clubs throughout the pyramid who aspire to join the league.” They added that the competition remains an attractive destination, and the Men’s Professional Rugby Board is responsible for managing expansion based on strict entry criteria.
For any club hoping to join the top tier, the financial commitment is substantial, potentially reaching £23.5m. This cost includes securing a P-share, which provides a portion of central income and voting rights, alongside a mandatory funding requirement for a Premiership Women’s Rugby programme. Ultimately, the RFU maintains the final authority to approve any structural changes, including the integration of any non-English sides into the league.
