Prem Rugby expansion: English clubs remain priority after Welsh interest reports

Prem Rugby expansion remains focused on English clubs, the league and RFU have said after WalesOnline reported Welsh interest in joining the competition. No Welsh club’s entry has been announced.

WalesOnline’s report prompted renewed discussion of an Anglo-Welsh league. However, the Independent reported that suggestions of advanced negotiations overstated the position, although discussions had taken place.

Prem Rugby expansion: what the joint statement says

“Resources are currently focused on supporting English clubs throughout the pyramid who aspire to join the league,” Prem Rugby and the RFU said in a joint statement, reported by Sky Sports.

Responsibility for expansion sits with the Men’s Professional Rugby Board, which has established entry requirements for prospective clubs.

The statement sets out the organisations’ current priority. It does not announce an Anglo-Welsh competition or identify clubs that have been accepted into an expanded league.

What has the Welsh Rugby Union said?

The WRU remains committed to providing four teams to the United Rugby Championship until the end of the 2027-28 season, while reviewing future competition opportunities.

Separately, the union said it was seeking places for Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning in Premiership Women’s Rugby, in a statement reproduced by Sky Sports. That women’s bid is separate from any potential entry into the men’s Prem.

What was agreed in February?

The RFU Council approved the restructuring on 27 February, RTÉ reported. From 2026-27, automatic promotion and relegation between the Prem and Champ would give way to a criteria-based expansion and demotion system.

The joint framework involved the RFU, Prem Rugby, Champ Rugby, Premiership Women’s Rugby and the Rugby Players’ Association. It targeted expansion to up to 12 teams in 2029-30, subject to readiness.

According to the published framework, the Expansion Review Group assesses readiness and makes recommendations. Final authority remains with the Men’s Professional Rugby Board.

Clubs must undergo an expression-of-interest and tender process. Expansion clubs must spend at least one season in the Champ.

Persistent underperformance could lead to demotion where a stronger, viable replacement exists. Assessments cover rugby performance, attendance and fan engagement.

From 2030, elevated standards also require clubs to operate a Premiership Women’s Rugby team or fund an agreed regional women’s development plan.

The Guardian reported in February that Prem Rugby was working with Raine Group and Deloitte on expansion-franchise sales.

Follow our rugby coverage for club news and international updates. For club news from the Prem, read our reports on Tom Christie’s Newcastle contract extension and Totoa Auvaa’s Bristol Bears signing.

Prem Rugby expansion: your questions answered

When could the Prem expand to 12 teams?

The target is 2029-30, subject to readiness assessments. Expansion is not guaranteed for that season.

Are Welsh clubs joining the Prem?

No entry has been announced. Prem Rugby and the RFU say their current expansion work focuses on English clubs.

Has promotion and relegation been scrapped?

Automatic promotion and relegation has been replaced by a criteria-based system. Clubs can apply for entry, while existing teams can still face demotion under the new framework.

How long is the WRU committed to four URC teams?

The WRU says that commitment runs until the end of the 2027-28 season.

Which clubs could join the Prem?

Applicants must meet financial, ownership, governance, facilities and rugby-performance standards through an expression-of-interest and tender process. Expansion clubs must also spend at least one season in the Champ. No Welsh club’s entry has been announced.