# Prem looks to English expansion despite Welsh interest

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/prem-looks-to-english-expansion-despite-welsh-interest/
- Published: 2026-10-28T18:55:30+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-28T19:25:36+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Sport (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/c54g1x0z4rygo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Sport

## Key points

- The Prem aims to expand to 12 teams by 2029-30.
- English rugby says expansion efforts are focused on English clubs.
- The WRU has not ruled out exploring other competition options.

## Summary

Prem Rugby and the Rugby Football Union say they are focusing on adding English clubs to the top flight, despite reported Welsh interest in joining an Anglo-Welsh league. Their plan is to expand from 10 to 12 teams by 2029-30, with the change potentially reshaping opportunities for clubs across English rugby.

The Prem contracted after Wasps, Worcester and London Irish folded in 2022-23, and traditional promotion and relegation will end from 2026-27. Applicants will be judged on factors including playing standards, finances, investment, facilities and location, and must first play a season in the Championship. Wales’ four professional men’s teams are committed to the United Rugby Championship until 2027-28; the WRU says it will decide the future operating model for the Welsh game by the end of this season, while keeping competition options under review.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.