Championship leaders Ealing 'consider English rugby exit' amid merger talk

09 March 2023 , 10:59

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Ealing's home ground holds around half of the RFU minimum requirement (Image: Getty Images)

Ealing Trailfinders are reportedly weighing up leaving the English rugby system after again being told they cannot be promoted to the Premiership.

The London club won the second-tier Championship last season and again lead the way this term, ahead of Jersey Reds by just a point.

But the RFU have confirmed they cannot be promoted to the Premiership as their Vallis Way stadium does not meet the minimum requirement of holding 10,000 spectators.

They are now believed to be considering a number of options available to them and reports in recent weeks suggested a merger with Welsh outfit Ospreys was a possibility, although that now appears unlikely.

But the Telegraph reports Ealing have contacted the RFU about potentially walking away from the English game. Ealing would require RFU approval, alongside the approval of other unions they wish to join.

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An RFU spokesperson said to the Telegraph "Any request would need to be carefully considered, and would need approval of the RFU Board, and as a cross-border competition involving a club from another union, it would also need the approval of other unions involved."

A move to the United Rugby Championship has been mooted, with the competition currently having 16 teams from five countries - Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and South Africa. It is unclear if - or how - Ealing would fit into that format given a set number of teams qualify for the Challenge Cup and Champions Cup.

Max Bodilly of Ealing Trailfinders in action (Getty)

Speculation over a merger with Ospreys came to light amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding rugby in Wales, with regions set to have their budgets slashed for next season.

However, Ospreys players and staff have been told that a merger is not on the cards in a memo that was seen by BBC Wales.

Only Ealing and Doncaster Knights put themselves forward to be assessed for promotion to the Premiership. Doncaster find themselves in sixth and 28 points behind the league leaders.

Meanwhile, Bath currently sit bottom of the Premiership but will not drop down to the second tier due to a temporary suspension on relegation as part of a Covid recovery plan.

Liam Prenderville