Prem Rugby and the Rugby Football Union have stated they are committed to expanding the top flight with English clubs in response to a report claiming that two Welsh sides could soon join the competition.

According to the report, the Welsh Rugby Union is in advanced discussions with Prem Rugby and the RFU over the possibility of turning the Gallagher Prem into a cross-border competition.

It comes as the WRU wrestle with a financial crisis that saw it announce a loss of £18.1million for 2025-26 only last week, a figure that it says strengthens its case to reduce the number of regions from four to three.

The PREM is aiming expand from 10 to 12 sides in time for the 2029-2030 season and English rugby's governing bodies insist their priority is to back domestic teams.

"Resources are currently focused on supporting English clubs throughout the pyramid who aspire to join the league," they said in a joint a statement.

"The Prem is an attractive league and responsibility for its expansion sits with the Men's Professional Rugby Board (MPRB), which has established detailed entry criteria that any prospective club would need to satisfy."

Joining the Prem could cost an interested club up to £23.5million, made up of the P-share that secures a percentage of central income and voting rights and the requirement to fund a Premiership Women's Rugby programme.

The RFU would have to approve Welsh teams moving into the league due to it becoming a cross-border competition.

In response to the report, the WRU issued a statement confirming its commitment to supplying four teams to the United Rugby Championship until the 2027-28 season while also highlighting the attraction of joining the Prem.

"By the end of the 2027-28 season, the WRU will have determined the future operating model for the men's game in Wales," the statement read.

"The WRU will continue to work with other shareholders in the URC on future Welsh representation in the competition.

"The WRU keeps under review the competition opportunities which may be available across the game and could be in the best interests of Welsh rugby.

"The idea of Anglo-Welsh competitions is something that is often debated by Welsh rugby fans.

"The WRU understands the appeal of the English top-flight, which is why we are pitching for two of our women's teams, Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning, to be included in Premiership Women's Rugby."