Prem and RFU say expansion resources focused on English clubs after report of Welsh sides joining

Prem Rugby and the Rugby Football Union said in a joint statement on 28 October 2026 they are committed to expanding the top flight with English clubs, responding to a report that two Welsh sides could join the Prem.

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. The WRU announced a loss of £18.1m for 2025-26 last week, which 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.

In their joint statement Prem Rugby and the RFU said: “Resources are currently focused on supporting English clubs throughout the pyramid who aspire to join the league.” They also stated: “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 because their inclusion would make the competition cross-border.

Decisions on expansion will follow the MPRB’s established entry criteria as the Prem pursues its plan to grow from 10 to 12 clubs for the 2029-2030 season, with RFU approval required for any Welsh entrants.