Under the new PREM structure, promotion and relegation will be removed. Clubs hoping to compete in PREM Rugby will instead need to secure appropriate investment and demonstrate strong off-field plans to gain entry.

Rather than earning a play-off opportunity by finishing top of the Champ and meeting minimum top-flight standards, ambitious teams will now submit applications and be assessed against a broader set of criteria.

The changes will come into effect next season and are intended to make the PREM a more attractive investment opportunity.

Early signs suggest the shift is already having an impact, with Red Bull and Sir James Dyson making notable investments this season, while AFC Bournemouth’s owners, Black Knight, are preparing to take over Exeter Chiefs.

Champ chair Simon Gillham, who is also president of French second-tier side Brive, told City AM that overseas investors are showing significant interest in the league.

“[Last week] I helped a Champ club presentation to some American investors,” Gillham said. “And that was fascinating because you’re going to invest in something where there’s a potential for growth.

"I’m not going to quote any English clubs, but would you rather invest in a club which is smaller and has the potential for growth.

“No one’s going to announce some big deal for a Champ club next week, as far as I know and I think I would know, but I know that there’s a lot of interest bubbling around immediately. Off the top of my head, there are three or four clubs in the Champ who have had conversations with potential new investors.”

Bedford is set to host a new Universal Studios theme park, a development that could increase its appeal to American investors.

With a population exceeding 160,000, the town faces relatively little competition from football, as its main club plays in the sixth tier.

The Blues have previously attracted high-profile backing, most notably in the 1996-97 season, when boxing promoter Frank Warren and Sports Network invested heavily in experienced and emerging talent.

Although that venture ultimately fell short, a well-funded and strategic investor could transform the club into a serious contender.

Yorkshire represents one of the largest rugby markets currently without a Premiership club, despite the region’s strong passion for the sport.

Doncaster Knights are an ambitious side and hold the record as the most promoted club in English rugby history. This progress has been matched by significant upgrades to Castle Park and the club’s overall infrastructure.

The Castle Park Conference and Function Centre is now a multimillion-pound venue and ranks among the top conference facilities in the area.

While the club has previously acknowledged the challenges of promotion under the old system, it remains an attractive option for investors looking to tap into a broad regional fanbase.

Cornwall offers another strong regional identity with a wide catchment area, making it an appealing location for a PREM club. Cornish Pirates currently represent the county at a high level.

The region consistently produces talented players, and despite the number of clubs in the south-west, Cornwall stands somewhat apart geographically.

There have been ambitious plans in the past to build a new stadium. With the right investment, those plans could be revived, potentially paving the way for both a new venue and a place in the PREM.

Finally, Worcester Warriors are a club whose size and history suggest they belong in the PREM. However, recent financial collapse means they require fresh backing to return to that level.

Their proximity to Birmingham offers access to a large rugby audience, while maintaining established rivalries across the Midlands and West Country.

With an existing stadium already in place, rebuilding the club’s infrastructure may be more straightforward than for others.

Crucially, Worcester’s fanbase has remained united through difficult times, making it a community well-positioned to rally behind a revival.