Ealing Trailfinders have initiated discussions with the Ospreys, a Welsh region, regarding a possible merger that would involve exchanging their place in the Championship for the United Rugby Championship.
According to The Rugby Paper, these talks began well in advance of the RFU’s decision to prevent promotion to the Premiership next season, and Ealing, who had intended to pursue legal action if their promotion was blocked, are showing genuine interest in the prospect of a merger.
A number of top Wales internationals would be expected to play for the London-based side, who are bankrolled by wealthy entrepreneur Mike Gooley, as a result.
The WRU and the four professional rugby regions in Wales are presently negotiating a fresh, long-term funding arrangement amidst a financial crisis.
While they have signed heads of terms, the resignation of their former chief executive, Steve Phillips, has caused a delay in the process.
Nevertheless, the parties involved are making significant progress, and a new deal is nearing completion.