Ealing Trailfinders could be set to join the Welsh Rugby Union after being blocked from promotion to the Gallagher Premiership, according to reports in the Welsh media. 

Wales Online have reported that Trailfinders players were told in a meeting that the club are in negotiations with the Welsh Rugby Union and the United Rugby Championship over a possible move to that league after they were blocked from promotion to the Premiership. 

The club would continue to play in London and would simply merge with or replace a struggling existing member of the league, as the Welsh Rugby Union are currently struggling with financial pressures which has seen players threaten strike action. 

This news comes the same week that it was announced by the RFU that Ealing would not be given admittance into the Premiership, as they were unable to "evidence the necessary licensed capacity, supported by a safety certificate or planning permission to achieve a capacity of over 10,000" at Trailfinders Sports Ground. 

The statement said: "Minimum Standards Criteria are in place to ensure Premiership Rugby clubs and promoted clubs have suitable facilities to protect player safety and welfare, provide financial sustainability and to deliver a good quality, safe environment for spectators. Each club and its nominated ground undergo an annual independent audit to assess compliance with the Minimum Standards Criteria. 

"The Minimum Standards Criteria were revised in 2022 around the minimum capacity of grounds, to allow additional time for a club to build up to a capacity of 10,001." 

The Times had reported last month that Trailfinders were considering legal action were they not to be allowed promotion, but this new report suggests they may be exploring alternative avenues.