The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is prepared to prevent two of England's professional clubs, London Irish and Ealing Trailfinders, from joining the multi-national United Rugby Championship (URC), City AM can reveal exclusively.
URC's Search for a 16th Team
This stance comes as the URC explores options to fill a vacancy that will be created by a reduction in Welsh teams. The Welsh Rugby Union has secured approval to cut its regional representation in the league from four to three, leaving the competition with an uneven 15 clubs.
The URC, which features sides from Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, and South Africa, is actively seeking a 16th participant. While adding another South African franchise or even a team from the United States has been mooted, London-based clubs have emerged as potential candidates to expand the league's geographical and commercial footprint.
RFU's Protective Stance on English Rugby
However, any application from London Irish or Ealing Trailfinders would require formal approval from the RFU, the sport's governing body in England. Authoritative sources confirm this sanction would not be granted if requested.
Ealing Trailfinders, who currently lead the second-tier Championship, have been periodically linked with the URC for several years. London Irish, which entered administration after the Covid-19 pandemic and was subsequently purchased by the late Formula 1 magnate Eddie Jordan, is being run by his son Kyle but remains a long way from being competition-ready.
Figures close to the discussions indicate a strong desire within the RFU for both clubs to remain within the English rugby ecosystem, rather than being lost to the cross-border URC.
The Broader Context: English Rugby's Franchise Future
This protective move aligns with significant structural discussions happening within the English game. There are advanced plans to introduce a franchise model to the top flight, potentially mirroring the investment seen in cricket's Hundred competition.
Under these proposals, London Irish is viewed as a cornerstone club for the future landscape of professional rugby in England. The RFU and Premiership Rugby are also reportedly looking at regions like Kent, Birmingham, and Yorkshire as targets for new growth franchises.
A crucial vote on this franchising model is scheduled for the spring of 2026. The RFU's readiness to block a URC move underscores its commitment to shaping and controlling this new era for the domestic game, keeping its most valuable assets within its own jurisdiction.
