Eddie Hearn to expand role in Prem Rugby — SkimNews
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- Eddie Hearn met Prem Rugby bosses in Monaco after signing Finn Russell and Henry Pollock to his Matchroom stable, and Simon Massie-Taylor expects him to represent more top stars while moving into events, big games and commercial work around league players.
- Simon Massie-Taylor said Hearn does not want to disrupt the Prem but to work with it while agitating for growth; he also said Hearn was not there to buy a club, but to introduce people to rugby and partner with the league.
- Prem Rugby's second annual financial monitoring report found all 10 clubs passed financial standards for 2026/27, revenues were up and forecast losses were due to reduce by £26.7m, while Newcastle Red Bulls, Exeter Chiefs and Bath Rugby secured major external investment over the previous 12 months.
- Saracens and Sale reported the Prem's heaviest losses in a league where no club is yet in profit; Massie-Taylor expects the vast majority of clubs to move into the black within five years.
- Prem Rugby reiterated plans to increase from 10 to 12 teams by 2030/31, with expressions of interest due in the coming months.
- Prem Rugby requires future entrants to play at least one season in the second-tier Champ and make a large cash advance to buy a P-Share, thought to be worth around £20m.
- Welsh Rugby Union approached the Prem about Welsh sides joining an Anglo-Welsh league, but Massie-Taylor said the priority remains developing English clubs under Project Forge, with the door not fully closed on Welsh participation.
Why it matters: Prem Rugby is pairing Hearn's commercial ambitions with a growth programme: all 10 clubs met 2026/27 financial standards, while future entrants must complete one Champ season and buy a P-Share with a roughly £20m advance. No club is yet profitable, so Hearn's role sits within a concrete drive to improve finances and expand to 12 teams by 2030/31.
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