Prem and RFU commit to expanding with English clubs after report of Welsh sides joining

Prem Rugby and the Rugby Football Union have stated they are committed to expanding the top flight with English clubs in response to a report claiming that two Welsh sides could soon join the competition.

According to the report, the Welsh Rugby Union is in advanced discussions with Prem Rugby and the RFU over the possibility of turning the Prem into a cross-border competition.

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 says strengthens its case to reduce the number of regions from four to three.

The Prem is aiming to expand from 10 to 12 sides in time for the 2029-2030 season and English rugby’s governing bodies 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 a 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.”

Joining the Prem could cost an interested club up to £23.5m, made up of the P-share that secures a percentage of central income and voting rights and the requirement to fund a Premiership Women’s Rugby programme.

The RFU would have to approve Welsh teams moving into the league due to it becoming a cross-border competition.