URC rubbish talks of British and Irish League merger

Reports earlier this week suggested that the IRFU had given the go ahead for talks to take place.

Earlier this week, The Telegraph reported that both the IRFU and several English clubs were leaning towards a new league and viewed the merger as an opportunity to broaden their revenue base and increase future television deals.

The initial discussions surrounding a change involved the idea of an Anglo-Welsh league, but the conversation developed into the inclusion of Irish and Scottish clubs in recent weeks.

The proposed British and Irish League had plans to come into effect for the 2026 season, after the newly-signed two-year deal between TNT Sports and the Premiership expires.

Now, however, the URC have publicly rubbished these recent reports in a statement posted to social media yesterday evening.

URC Statement.#URC

— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) September 13, 2024

The organisation clarified that they were not involved in any discussions regarding a new league and said the league had been "elevated to new heights" since the arrival of the South African teams in 2021.

"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 BKT URC is committed to continuing this pace of growth ahead of the new season and far into the future."

While the future of the domestic leagues in Ireland and the UK remain unclear, rugby’s international calendar is already set to change in 2026 when the Nations Championship gets under way.

European teams will play their Southern Hemisphere counterparts away from home in July with the second round of games taking place in November before a grand final weekend.