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The URC told the Welsh Rugby Union last week that they were fine with a Welsh side being culled
The Rugby Football Union are reportedly ready to block London Irish or Ealing Trailfinders from joining the United Rugby Championship.
WalesOnline exclusively reported on Wednesday that the Welsh Rugby Union were given permission to go to three teams in a URC board meeting last week. The governing body are currently in the midst of trying to cull one of the four professional teams.
The stance of the league, given there is a commitment to providing four clubs, has been one of the hurdles facing the union – with WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood having previously suggested a Super Rygbi Cymru team could be entered for a season to fulfil the WRU’s obligations.
However, the league are seemingly happy with Wales only providing three teams – with the URC already targeting a club to replace whichever Welsh side is culled.
Previously, the URC had looked to bring in American clubs – only for the South Africa Rugby Union to block that move.
There has also been speculation on Georgian club Black Lion joining, but a London-based team seems to be the league’s preference given the obvious commercial benefits.
London Irish or Ealing Trailfinders are two obvious options – although either would need to be signed off by the RFU.
And CityAM report that the RFU would not be willing to sanction either club joining the URC.
The report adds that there is “a keenness” to keep both clubs within England’s rugby sphere, rather than lose them to an external league.
Both clubs could have reasons to look at the URC as an attractive alternative prospect.
Championship outfit Ealing have continually knocked on the door of the Gallagher Prem, but have previously failed to meet the minimum standards criteria.
As for London Irish, they entered administration in March 2023 but were eventually saved by a consortium led by the late former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan.
They were forced to withdraw from England’s top flight after entering administration – with their ambition being to head straight back to a top-tier competition.
PRL’s agreement with the Championship would not allow that, which could see Irish pursue the URC.
Quite whether the RFU’s intention to block any London club joining the URC would affect the WRU’s plans remain to be seen.
A clear path from four to three clubs is not yet clear amid the looming threat of an EGM, with the expected sale of Cardiff in the coming days remaining key to the governing body’s bid to reduce the number of sides.
