Pro12 merger with English league not on, says Premiership boss Mark McCafferty

Premiership Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty doesn’t see a merger between the English league and the Pro12 “in the foreseeable future”, adding that international rugby runs the risk of overexposure through too many fixtures.

Speaking at yesterday’s Web Summit, McCafferty said: “I don’t see that (merger) in the foreseeable future. We have to recognise there have been different systems — in France and England people have invested money in the clubs; we’ve positioned ourselves as the most competitive league in the world with the backing of investors. Those investors are not giving up on that ambition, they’re becoming more ambitious.

“The Pro12 has to recognise it must invest more in their league, to have three strong leagues in Europe.