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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Exclusive by Matt Hughes

Prem Rugby to seek investors if RFU backs relegation-free franchise league

Bath celebrate winning the final of what is now the Prem at Twickenham in June 2025.
Bath celebrate winning the final of what is now the Prem at Twickenham in June. Photograph: Adam Davy/PA

Prem Rugby is planning to launch a tender process to secure external investment in the competition after it has received formal approval from the Rugby Football Union to become a closed franchise league. That is expected to happen next year.

The English top division engaged the investment bank Raine Group and the accountancy firm Deloitte to conduct a review of the sport’s finances and potential funding options this year and is preparing to go to market in the second quarter of 2026.

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