PREM Rugby Gives Priority to English Clubs

PREM Rugby and the Rugby Football Union have announced that they are giving priority to clubs in England as the league expands. In a joint statement, the organisations said responsibility for the league's expansion rests with the Men's Professional Rugby Board, and that resources are being directed towards supporting clubs within the country.

The league aims to grow from 10 teams to 12 by the 2029/30 season. During this process, clubs must meet the criteria set for entry. Meanwhile, reports on Wednesday said that the Welsh Rugby Union has held advanced talks with PREM Rugby and the Rugby Football Union about the possibility of creating a shared competition between the two nations.

Last week the Welsh Rugby Union reported a loss of £18.1 million for the 2025/26 season. The union said it will continue to provide four teams to the United Rugby Championship until the 2027/28 season. It also said it will set its future operating model by that date.

The union said it recognises the appeal of the English top flight and is working to have its women's teams, Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning, admitted to Premiership Women's Rugby. It was also noted that Welsh supporters have frequently debated the idea of an English-Welsh rivalry.