Bath chief declares English interest in two Welsh clubs joining Prem

Bath chief Craig has declared that English rugby holds strong interest in adding two Welsh clubs to an expanded 12-team Gallagher Premiership for the 2028-29 season. Speaking to The Guardian, Craig highlighted natural advantages such as geographical proximity, travel ease, and tribal rivalries, though he noted that joining sides like Cardiff would need to operate as private entities separate from the Welsh Rugby Union.

The potential expansion could complicate ongoing WRU restructuring, which aims to cut professional teams from four to three by March. Significant obstacles remain, as the WRU holds shares in the United Rugby Championship, and Parc y Scarlets is currently the only Welsh venue understood to meet Premiership Rugby's minimum entry criteria.