The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has formally entered the conversation over a potential move that could take Welsh regional rugby into the Gallagher PREM, with two places in the league under consideration.

According to WalesOnline, WRU chief executive Abi Tierney will inform representatives of Wales’ four professional regions at a ‘special’ meeting on Wednesday afternoon that the WRU has sent a formal expression of interest in the move.

This new development arrives amid months of uncertainty over the number of professional sides Wales can sustain, potentially creating a new route forward before the WRU settles it's long-term regional structure.

The WRU has been exploring options, but this major development could deliver the Anglo-Welsh league that so many Welsh supporters have wanted.

This move could happen as early as the 2027/28 season, but realistically, it will happen the following campaign.

An expansion of the English top flight would create two additional places, and the WRU's expression of interest has put the Welsh sides in the discussion as the league considers its next phase. WalesOnline says a tender process for those positions is expected to begin next month.

Resistance from Champ clubs could well be an issue, but there is the liklihood of the PREM being further expanded beyond 12 teams in the coming years, with Worcester Warriors and Cornish Pirates amognst those vowing to join.

WalesOnline also reported that the PRL will launch a tender process for the two additonal spots as early as next month, with Welsh clubs expected to submit applications.

This move could then allow the WRU to retain four professional clubs.

Fixtures for two Welsh sides against Bristol Bears, Bath, Leicester Tigers, Northampton Saints, Gloucester, Exeter Chiefs, Sale Sharks, Saracens, Harlequins, and Newcastle Red Bulls could lead to significant commercial opportunities for Welsh clubs.

However, much will depend on the outcome of discussions made between the PRL and RFU over the league's future.

Another area concerns the terms under which the four Welsh sides can leave the United Rugby Championship, the competition in which they all play.

No agreement has been reached, and the proposal still faces significant hurdles. But the WRU's formal expression of interest gives the possibility of Welsh participation in the PREM a concrete next step, as discussions over the future of the professional game in Wales continues.