UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ‘NOT ENGAGED’ IN BRITISH & IRISH LEAGUE DISCUSSIONS AFTER ‘OUTSTANDING SUCCESS’

The United Rugby Championship has clarified that the competition is not in discussions to form a British & Irish league after reports about a possible merger emerged this week.

According to the Telegraph, the proposed merger between the Home Nations from the Premiership and URC consisting of 17 teams with another set to be added in that instance. The merger would leave the South African and Italian sides without competition.

“Not engaged in discussions”

The move was aimed at combating the loss of London Irish, Wasps and Worcester Warriors to financial turmoil. However, the URC has moved to clarify where the league stands with the current set-up that has seen constant growth and record-breaking since the South African sides joined in 2021.

“Contrary to media reports the BKT United Rugby Championship is not engaged in discussions regarding a British & Irish league,” the statement wrote.

“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.”

South Africa and Italy clubs snubbed in new URC-Premiership merger talks as British & Irish League All involved

While the increased viewership has come with the massive South African following, the URC paid tribute to all the teams from all five countries.

“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.”

The league has not only shown its growth in terms of viewership but all competitiveness with three different winners in the first three editions of the tournament with the Stormers winning URC I, Munster URC II and Glasgow Warriors URC III.

The first round of the 2024/2025 season gets underway this month on September 20.

READ MORE: Israel Dagg: ‘How the hell do we not want South Africa a part of our own’

2024-09-13T16:49:48Z dg43tfdfdgfd