The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) have both issued statements in response to reports that Welsh clubs could join the Gallagher Premiership.
High-ranking figures in Wales have been in discussions with senior representatives from the RFU and Premiership Rugby (PRL) for several months over the prospect of two Welsh sides joining the English top flight as it expands from 10 to 12 teams.
Expansion and tender process
A tender process is expected to begin next month, with clubs from the English Championship likely to account for a significant proportion of applications. However, formal interest from Wales is also expected as discussions over potential entry into the competition continue.
Such a move would open Welsh rugby's future wide, with the possibility of four teams still existing in some form now potentially on the table, although only two would play in the Premiership. Whether two could remain in the United Rugby Championship (URC) or move into the English Championship remains to be seen, while it is still possible Welsh rugby could end up with just two professional teams in the longer term.
WRU statement
What has not changed is the WRU's public stance that four fully-funded teams are no longer viable given the state of the game's finances.
"Welsh men's professional teams compete in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is committed to providing four teams to the URC until the end of the 2027/28 season," read a WRU statement.
"By the end of this season, the WRU will have determined the future operating model for the men's game in Wales. The WRU will continue to work with other shareholders in the URC on future Welsh representation in the competition.
"The WRU keeps under review the competition opportunities which may be available across the game and could be in the best interests of Welsh rugby."
RFU and PRL response
If Welsh clubs were to join the Premiership, it would need the approval of both the WRU and the RFU. If the Premiership is to expand, every single PRL club has to vote in favour of the expansion, but when it comes to which clubs are added, it only needs a majority.
There could be significant opposition from Championship clubs, but adding two Welsh clubs would offer Premiership Rugby the opportunity for non-dilutive growth, increasing the competition's size without introducing another team into an existing English market. Welsh clubs would not get central funding from the RFU unlike other English clubs, while they are also keen on the Welsh TV contract.
"Prem Rugby and the RFU are committed to expanding the English top-flight, with a provisional target season to grow to 12 teams by 2030," read a joint statement from the RFU and PRL.
"The Premiership 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. Resources are currently focused on supporting English clubs throughout the pyramid who aspire to join the league."
