Prem Rugby seemed on the brink of disaster after Worcester, Wasps and London Irish went bust, but there is renewed confidence and fresh money in the league.
BBC8h ago
Harlequins, Saints and Gloucester attracting interest Prem using Hundred sales as template for growth Harlequins, Northampton and Gloucester are attracting serious interest from overseas investors with Prem Rugby entering an expansionist phase before its first season as a closed league begins on Friday. A source with knowledge of the discussions disclosed that there have been approaches from several high net worth individuals from the United States and the Middle East, as well as consumer brands whose interest has been piqued by Red Bull’s takeover at Newcastle last year. Continue reading...
The Guardian•Matt Hughes9h ago
BBC Sport commentators and reporters analyse how the 10 Prem Rugby clubs will fare ahead of the start of the 2026-27 season.
BBC12h agoBBC Sport commentators and reporters analyse how the 10 Prem Rugby clubs will fare ahead of the start of the 2026-27 season.
BBC12h ago
Bath have a point to prove, Newcastle are shy of an A-lister and Aaron Wainwright could prove the signing of the summer at Welford Road The 2025 champions go into the new campaign with a point to prove after they were humbled on home turf by Exeter in last season’s semi-finals. Successfully defending the title is no easy task – it has not been done since Saracens in 2019 – but last season’s failure to return to Twickenham should stiffen the sinews in Johann van Graan’s squad. There is a World Cup at the end of the campaign and plenty in Bath’s squad also have a point to prove to Steve Borthwick – the centres Ollie Lawrence and Max Ojomoh, and Ted Hill chief among them. Recruitment has been kept to a minimum, but the arrival of Dan du Preez adds some more Springbok beef. Losing Thomas du Toit, who has returned to South Africa, is a huge blow, but Will Stuart’s return after a lengthy layoff due to an achilles injury softens it somewhat. If they finish in the top two Bath would forgo a home semi-final with the Rec finally undergoing much-needed refurbishment, which could ultimately count against them. Expect them to be in the mix. Continue reading...
The Guardian•Gerard Meagher23 Sept