British and Irish league proposal takes another twist as Ireland make position clear – report
Irish giants Munster and Leinster going head-to-head in 2023/24 URC season.
The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) are reportedly open to the idea of a British and Irish league in what will be a boost to the Premiership.
On Thursday, the Telegraph reported that a merger is being explored by the Premiership board between them and the United Rugby Championship as a way of increasing the value of broadcast deals.
An Anglo-Welsh competition was also proposed but it is the British and Irish league which has received the most backing from the investor board, which comprises the club owners.
Should the English sides get their way, it could result in both South Africa and Italy being excluded.
‘A decision is expected this year’
“This won’t work without the Irish,” one source told the Telegraph. “There has been surprising progress on this. A decision is expected this year.”
A British and Irish league would be more complicated to achieve but it is an idea which has piqued the interest of the IRFU.
“We, as administrators, are always looking at ways to make our tournaments more valuable,” chief executive Kevin Potts said last November.
“You are asking about the potential of a British and Irish scenario, yeah, that’s something we are open to looking at.
“We are looking at these things at the moment because the game needs to generate more money. Us as unions and CEOs, I guess it is driving us to be more collaborative and more innovative which we need to be to get more money into the game.
“It can’t sustain itself without increasing revenues.”
That stance appears to remain the same but the sticking point for the Premiership comes with the fact that the IRFU are supporters of both the Italian and South African sides.
The Welsh and Scottish unions are also keen to make sure that Italy remains part of the picture despite being eager to merge.
On Friday, the URC moved to deny that talks had taken place and that they are, given the competition’s growth since its inception in 2021, determined to build on their recent success.
URC statement
“Contrary to media reports the BKT United Rugby Championship is not engaged in discussions regarding a British & Irish league,” the statement read.
“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 URC is committed to continuing this pace of growth ahead of the new season and far into the future.”
Ultimately, it all hinges on the South African conundrum. They are currently not able to vote on the URC board, which means a merger could take place without their agreement.
However, there is support for their inclusion within some Premiership outfits, especially considering the pull they have in terms of broadcast revenue.