English rugby bosses respond to Welsh interest in joining Premiership

English rugby bosses respond to Welsh interest in joining Premiership

The authorities running English rugby's top flight have made it clear that their expansion plans focus exclusively on domestic clubs, rather than Welsh sides joining the Premiership. Prem Rugby and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) issued a joint statement confirming their ambition to grow the league from its current 10 teams to 12 by the 2029-30 campaign. The announcement followed reports that the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) had confirmed its interest in exploring participation in an Anglo-Welsh competition. However, English officials have firmly directed their attention to nurturing clubs already within the English pyramid system, saying: "Resources are currently focused on supporting English clubs throughout the pyramid who aspire to join the league." TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Any cross-border arrangement would additionally require formal RFU approval. The Professional Rugby Board, which oversees professional rugby in Wales, met on Wednesday and was told that the WRU intended to explore options within English club rugby. Senior figures in the English game have acknowledged the Welsh governing body's interest, but insist that formal negotiations have not begun. The Premiership has operated with a reduced roster of clubs since Wasps, Worcester and London Irish ceased operations during the 2022-23 season, leaving just 10 sides. LATEST SPORTS NEWS Scottish football team forced to play two games at the same time and day Cause of Vincent Kompany's collapse explained as Bayern Munich chief gives update London Marathon considering major change for 2027 elite women's race by including male runners Landmark structural reforms, voted through ahead of the 2026-27 season, abolished the traditional promotion-and-relegation system. Under the new framework, clubs wishing to enter the Premiership must apply and will be evaluated against a broad set of criteria, including playing standards, financial stability, investment prospects, facilities and the extent to whi