Jim Hamilton claims 'large majority of influential people' want URC and PREM merger with South Africa sidelined

Former Scotland international Jim Hamilton has claimed that a large majority of influential figures in rugby want a merger between the English Premiership (PREM) and the United Rugby Championship (URC), but without the inclusion of the South African franchises. Hamilton's comments suggest significant behind-the-scenes discussion about restructuring European club rugby. No specific timeline or formal proposal has been announced, but the statement indicates growing momentum among key decision-makers for such a consolidation.