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Sweeney confirms WRU has formally asked to join Anglo-Welsh league

The RFU chief executive says his focus is still English expansion, and he has questions over how Wales could legally leave the URC.

Follow-up to Prem expansion to stay English for now as WRU eyes a move for Welsh sides

By RuckBee Newsroom1 min read
A young man in a red Wales rugby jersey holds a cream envelope and grips an iron gate, with a rainy Cardiff waterfront and stadium.
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Welsh sides could yet be part of a cross-border league, after the Welsh Rugby Union lodged a request with its English counterpart. RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney has confirmed the WRU has approached the RFU about Welsh sides joining such a competition, saying: "We have received a formal approach".

The request adds to our earlier report on Prem expansion. He said the RFU's primary focus remains expanding the English game, and that it must put more questions to the WRU.

"Going into cross-border competition has different ramifications and we have to be clear around the complexities."

One question is legal. The RFU is unclear how Wales could exit the URC, of which the WRU is a member. According to BBC Sport, the WRU has stated that it will supply four sides for the URC through to the close of the 2027-28 season.

Where the Prem stands

BBC Sport reports that the Prem is aiming to grow its competition from 10 sides to 12 in time for 2029-30, and has a longer-term ambition to expand further. Promotion and relegation was scrapped from the 2026-27 season. Clubs now apply to join and are judged on several criteria.

Changes at home in Wales

The WRU is cutting its professional men's teams from four to three by 2028. Licences are going to Cardiff and Dragons, while Ospreys and Scarlets contest the west Wales licence. A final decision is expected by summer 2027.

The WRU is also pitching two women's teams, Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning, for Premiership Women's Rugby.

Sources

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