The IRFU is open to the possibility of joining a British and Irish Super League, which could also include South African and Italian teams, as RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney confirmed talks have taken place on the issue. The idea of combining the clubs of the United Rugby Championship (URC) and the English Premiership emerged in an English newspaper report last week, with exploratory talks taking place in France during the Rugby World Cup. The Irish Independent understands the IRFU has been involved in those talks and remains open to the idea which could lead to greater broadcast revenue and commercial income. Speaking in Paris yesterday, RFU chief Sweeney confirmed talks had taken place but stressed they are at an exploratory stage. “We want to attract more investment coming in, so all sorts of conversations take place in terms of different options.

Source: Irish Independent October 25, 2023 21:30 UTC