newcomers to join the top flight in 2011… but can you remember the rest?
Exeter Chiefs are closing in on major American investment — and it could spark a financial arms race across the Premiership.
Multiple US groups are circling Sandy Park after the league’s shift towards a ring-fenced, franchise-style model. If a deal gets done, insiders believe it won’t stop there.
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“This is a tipping point,” one senior source said. “These are serious people.”
Chairman Tony Rowe has already confirmed “serious discussions” are underway, with a member vote set to follow. Rowe, who has effectively bankrolled the club since 1998, is now looking to secure Exeter’s long-term future after losses of £10.3m last year.
On the pitch, there are signs of stability. Rob Baxter has committed to a new long-term deal — a move that suggests confidence behind the scenes.
“Tony stepping away? Not anytime soon,” said Baxter.
“But things will evolve. This is about making sure the club is secure for the future.”
“But things will evolve. This is about making sure the club is secure for the future.”
And if Exeter do land their US investors? Don’t expect them to be the last.
? THE PREM’S BIGGEST BANKROLLS – FOLLOW THE MONEY
? 4. Sale Sharks – Quiet cash, serious bite
Backed by Simon Orange, Sale don’t shout about their money — but it’s there. With a fortune north of £1bn, Orange has quietly kept the Sharks competitive without the fireworks seen elsewhere. Efficient. Smart. Dangerous.
? 3. Bristol Bears – The Lansdown millions
Steve Lansdown has turned Bristol into a powerhouse. Worth over £1.5bn, the Hargreaves Lansdown co-founder has poured cash into players, facilities and vision. Ashton Gate is now one of the league’s crown jewels — and Bristol mean business.
⚫ 2. Newcastle Red Bulls – Rugby’s newest giant?
Formerly Newcastle Falcons, this is now a whole different beast. Backed by Red Bull and the ultra-wealthy Yoovidhya family (£20bn+), Newcastle suddenly have serious muscle.
If Red Bull go all-in like they have in F1 and football… this could get scary.
? 1. Bath Rugby – The £20bn game-changer
Bath were already well-backed — then James Dyson arrived.
Alongside Bruce Craig, Dyson’s £20bn+ fortune puts Bath in a different league financially. If that power gets fully unleashed, the rest of the Premiership might just be playing for second place.
Quiz! Can you name every team to have ever played in the Gallagher Prem?
Can you name all 28 clubs that have featured in the Gallagher Premiership since it kicked off back in 1987?
London Welsh were the last
You’ve got five minutes to test your rugby knowledge and reel off every side to have graced England’s top tier.
Sounds easy? Trust us, it’s trickier than you think.
? Good luck – and don’t forget to share your score with us!
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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