Frustrated English side nearing shock move to URC

This would be mad!

The Gallagher Premiership is transitioning to a franchise based model - welcomed by the top English clubs as it provides stability and further chance for significant investment. For Ealing Trailfinders this means forgoing their dream of competing in the English top flight despite their impressive achievement of finishing in the top two of the Championship for the last decade.

The London club have dominated their league since 2022 and have won all 25 of their games this season and are odds-on favourites to win their fourth title in five years. However, Ealing have been held back from promotion due to the facilities at their stadium base - Vallis Way.

The Premiership requires stadiums within the league to boast a 10,000 capacity minimum. And although recent changes have allowed clubs to reach the required improvements over a four season period, the RFU has recently admitted this change hasn't had the desired effect.

Now according to Rugby Pass Ealing Trailfinders are in advanced talks as the URC don't see Ealing's stadium as a barrier to involving them. This isn't the first time Ealing have attempted to join the URC after an unsuccessful merger attempt with Ospreys three years ago.

For Ealing to join the URC they require the league to cut a regional team, with Ospreys or the Scarlets tipped to be axed from the competition. The URC will look to replace one of these Welsh regions - leaving Ealing as one of the likely clubs.