The RFU council is set to push forward with radical plans that will split the Gallagher Prem from the English rugby pyramid.
The meeting, which is set to take place on Friday, would bring an immediate end to top-flight promotion and relegation in the game in this country.
The Prem is set to undergo a gradual expansion over the coming decadeCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Alfie Barbeary of Bath celebrates with the Premiership Trophy last summerCredit: Getty
The Times reports that there is now “alignment across the game” to push through the biggest change to elite club rugby in England since the national league system was introduced in 1987.
Talks between RFU, Prem Rugby and Champ Rugby are understood to have been ongoing for close to a year.
The original idea worked towards relaunching the Prem for the 2029-30 season as an expanded 12-club competition.
Two Champ clubs were to win promotion in the interim, but that plan has been scrapped after it proved too difficult.
The Prem’s expansion from ten clubs for 2029-30 would take place via a tender process, but the new plans won’t have the league stop at 12.
The Times reports that the goal is to double the size of the Prem from ten to 20 clubs by 2040.
They also want to expand the league’s footprint by targeting “strategically important” regions in the UK including , East Anglia and .
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Although multiple governing bodies have been involved in the process, the RFU council will have the final say on any restructure.
The RFU already endorsed “the rationale and the need for change” in October.
The proposal for the Prem to become an expansion league will go to a vote on Friday.
Because they want to expand in the coming years and decades, relegation and promotion will no longer take effect and ‘expressions of interest’ will now be considered for new teams to enter the league.
Conversely, the managed process would also handle teams who want to exit the league.
Expressions of interest for clubs wanting to join the top flight will be invited at the start of the 2027-28 season, although the process could be brought forward.
Ealing Trailfinders and Worcester Warriors will apply, according to the report.
There are also rumours that London Irish would also eye a return to competitive rugby.
Any club interested in joining the Prem will have to buy a share in the league.
The price will be set at ‘market value’, according to sources, which some insiders believe to be about £13.5million.
As part of the proposal to join, Prem clubs would be required to either operate a team in Premiership Women’s Rugby or invest an agreed amount into grassroots women’s rugby in the region too.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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