Talk of a British and Irish league has been rumbling away for years, without any genuine expectation it will ever get off the ground.

But the talk won’t go away.

In October 2023, Rugby Football Union boss Bill Sweeney revealed tentative discussions were ongoing, while it continues to be mooted in the corridors of power and was a topic of conversation at an English clubs’ board meeting this week.

While not denying the discussions, Premiership Rugby figures have been keen to play it down – “periodic long-term benchmarking” is the sexy phrase used by one senior source.

The United Rugby Championship meanwhile have reiterated the collective strength of bringing the best clubs in Ireland, South Africa, Scotland, Wales and Italy together in the URC.

So why is the concept – both fascinating and far-fetched – being raised again, and how realistic is it?

Despite organisers’ confident public pronouncements, club rugby union has endured a turbulent period.

From a Premiership point of view three major top-flight teams have gone into extinction, while the financial bounce back from the pandemic is below forecasted levels. The product on the pitch continues to be good, with attendances and audiences up, but senior figures at various clubs are still predicting a tough few years ahead.

There has been a financial uplift from the recent Professional Game Partnership, but central revenues have dipped. The television market has been stagnant.

Broadcasters TNT Sports have been a loyal and valuable partner to the Premiership – and are signed up until 2026 – but since Sky Sports dropped out of the club rugby market, there has been no competition for rights.