Irish Rugby are reportedly interested in the proposal of a merger between the United Rugby Championship and English Premiership if South African and Italian teams are involved.
Last week, a bombshell report claimed the England’s Premiership had put forward a proposal of a merger with the URC. According to the Telegraph report, the mooted idea was for a creation of a British and Irish League that would not include South Africa and Italy.
However, later on Friday, the URC dismissed the claims as “unsubstantiated”, and said they were commited to the competition involving Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa, and Wales.
“Contrary to media reports, the United Rugby Championship is not engaged in discussions regarding a British & Irish league,” the URC said in a statement late on Friday.
“Since the introduction of the four South African teams in 2021, the league has enjoyed a sustained period of outstanding success achieving record audiences, attendances, social media growth and new levels of competitiveness.
“This is due in great part to the efforts of all 16 teams across Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa, and Wales, which has elevated the league to new heights.
“The United Rugby Championship is committed to continuing this pace of growth in the new season and far into the future.”
A further report, also from the Telegraph, on the weekend claimed that the Irish Rugby Football Union were open to the idea of a merger between the URC and Premiership only if teams from South Africa and Italy were involved.
According to a source quoted by the Telegraph, “this won’t work without the Irish.”
IOL Sport