The Rugby Football Union has confirmed the Welsh Rugby Union has formally requested to bring Welsh clubs into the Gallagher Premiership, with the competition aiming to expand from 10 to 12 clubs.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney revealed the formal approach in an interview with BBC Radio Four, following WalesOnline's exclusive report last week that the WRU had told the Professional Rugby Board they had entered into talks with both the RFU and PRL to explore the possibility of Welsh clubs joining the Premiership.
RFU confirms formal WRU approach
"We have received a formal approach," Sweeney told BBC Radio Four. "We asked for that and we wanted it in writing. We wanted to understand a few points and that has been submitted to us.
"Our primary focus is on the expansion of the English game. We have had some developments there recently with no longer having an automatic promotion or relegation but having an expansion game.
"Financial criteria, fan base, geographical location, ability on the field of play, will determine whether you can get into the Prem or not. We see that as a way of expanding the 10 teams and our focus is on expanding the English game. But we have been approached [by the WRU] and it is responsible for us to go back and ask more questions."
The United Rugby Championship has threatened the WRU, who are a shareholder, with legal action over their plans to leave the competition. Sweeney acknowledged the complexities involved.
"There are some fundamental questions there," Sweeney told BBC Radio Four. "We don't yet have a clear understanding of how they would legally exit the URC which they are a member of, so that has to be clarified in some detail. Going into cross-border competition has different ramifications and we have to be clear around the complexities."
Wales prop sits out training
Wales prop Archie Griffin sat out Friday's captain's run ahead of tomorrow's Nations Championship clash with Japan at the Principality Stadium. WalesOnline understands the Bath man is not carrying an injury and his absence was part of a decision to manage his training load ahead of the Test match.
Griffin will start at tighthead prop in a front-row that includes Nicky Smith and captain Dewi Lake. The 25-year-old has a reputation as an extremely mobile and dynamic prop, with the experienced Tomas Francis expected to come off the bench in the second half. In a Test match against Australia in 2024, Griffin made 26 tackles - a notable statistic for a tighthead prop.
Wales are favourites to beat Eddie Jones' Japan tomorrow as they continue their Nations Championship campaign. Steve Tandy's side also face New Zealand and Australia this month before the finals weekend at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
Wales: Blair Murray; Louis Rees-Zammit, Eddie James, Max Llewellyn, Josh Adams; Sam Costelow, Tomos Williams; Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake (c), Archie Griffin, Dafydd Jenkins, Ben Carter, Alex Mann, Jac Morgan, Aaron Wainwright. Replacements: Ryan Elias, Rhys Carre, Tomas Francis, Teddy Williams, James Botham, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Dan Edwards, Louie Hennessey.
Fitness boost for England as Fin Smith given green light to face Australia
Fin Smith will steer England through their crucial autumn opener against Australia on Sunday after completing his recovery from a calf problem. Smith starts at fly-half after coming through Friday's final training session of the week in a major boost for Steve Borthwick's side entering the first of their four Tests at Allianz Stadium this month.
Borthwick has made four changes to the XV that defeated Argentina 31-24 in July, with George Furbank returning at full-back having been ruled out against the Pumas because of appendicitis. It will be Furbank's first England appearance for two years following a run of injuries, including a broken arm, concussion and calf issue. The Harlequins playmaker was included in the starting XV named against South Africa in July but was forced to withdraw because of the appendicitis that ended his tour without playing a minute.
Fin Baxter starts at loosehead prop having been out for 11 months because of a foot problem that required two surgeries. The front row comes in for Ellis Genge, who drops to the bench, and there are two further changes to the pack with the return of second row Maro Itoje and openside Ben Curry. Itoje was rested for the first phase of the Nations Championship in the summer and forms an all-Saracens lock partnership with Alex Coles, while Curry wins the race for the number seven jersey.
Henry Pollock provides back row and wing cover from the bench, which also includes Greg Fisilau in a matchday 23 for the first time. Ahead of Fisilau winning his first cap as a replacement, Borthwick said: "We're all absolutely delighted for Greg. He's worked incredibly hard to get to this point and has earned his opportunity through the way he's performed for Exeter and in our training environment. He's a powerful, athletic player who brings real energy to the team."
England face Australia for the final time before next year's World Cup where the rivals are projected to meet in the quarter-finals. "Australia are a talented side who have played a significant amount of Test rugby in recent months," Borthwick said. "We know the challenge that awaits us and we're looking forward to it. This will also be our last opportunity to face southern hemisphere opposition at home before the World Cup next year."
England team: G Furbank (Harlequins); T Freeman (Northampton Saints), H Slade (Exeter Chiefs), S Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby), I Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs); F Smith (Northampton Saints), J van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers); F Baxter (Harlequins), J George (Saracens), J Heyes (Leicester Tigers), M Itoje (Saracens, capt), A Coles (Northampton Saints), O Chessum (Leicester Tigers), B Curry (Sale Sharks), B Earl (Saracens). Replacements: L Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks), E Genge (Bristol Bears), W Stuart (Bath Rugby), G Martin (Saracens), G Fisilau (Exeter Chiefs), H Pollock (Northampton Saints), B Spencer (Bath Rugby), M Smith (Harlequins).
Len Ikitau back in Australia team for England showdown after concussion
Former Exeter star Len Ikitau returns for Australia's Nations Championship match against England at Allianz Stadium. Ikitau missed the Wallabies' most recent outing - a 43-21 defeat by New Zealand in Sydney on October 17 - because of concussion but has recovered in time for Sunday's showdown.
The 28-year-old centre is well known in England after completing a successful season at Exeter in 2025-26, helping the Chiefs reach the Gallagher Prem final. Declan Meredith continues at fly-half with Carter Gordon left out of the matchday 23 altogether while Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii shifts to the left wing to accommodate Test rookie Isaac Henry at outside centre.
Australia have included forwards Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini and Carlo Tizzano on a bench packed with power. "The entire squad has travelled well and prepared with fantastic energy and excitement heading into this weekend," Wallabies head coach Les Kiss said. "Playing England on their home turf - at an iconic venue like Twickenham - is a massive challenge and another great opportunity for us to test ourselves against world-class opposition and keep building our game."
Australia: Wright; Jorgensen, Suaalii, Henry, Ikitau; Meredith, Lonergan; Bell, Pollard, Alaalatoa, Canham, Salakaia-Loto, Williams, McReight, Wilson. Replacements: Nasser, Kailea, Tupou, Valetini, Tizzano, McDermott, Donaldson, Daugunu.
