WRU Confirms No Decision on Reducing Welsh Professional Teams Before End of 2025

The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed there will be no resolution before the end of 2025 on plans to reduce the number of professional men’s teams in Wales.

The governing body announced in October that it intends to move from four professional sides to three, as part of a wider effort to stabilise finances and reshape the elite game. At the time, the WRU outlined plans to grant three licences: one to a team in Cardiff, one in the west of Wales and one in the east.

Negotiations have since continued with Ospreys, Scarlets, Cardiff and Dragons, but the WRU has now acknowledged that no agreement will be reached before the end of the year. In an end-of-year message signed by chief executive Abi Tierney, chair Richard Collier-Keywood and president Terry Cobner, the union said discussions are ongoing and require more time.

“Our priority remains to reach a consensus with the professional clubs if possible,” the WRU said. “While we had hoped to provide certainty before Christmas, it has become clear that a few more weeks are needed to try and reach an agreed way forward.”

If an agreement cannot be secured by January, the WRU has indicated that a six-month tender process could be launched to determine which three teams would be awarded licences. Earlier expectations suggested a straight contest for the western licence between Scarlets and Ospreys, but alternative proposals have since emerged, complicating the process.

Cardiff’s position remains central to the talks. The WRU took control of the capital club in April after it entered administration and has been searching for new investors ever since. Ospreys owners Y11 Sports and Media have been linked with a potential takeover of Cardiff, a move that would allow the WRU to reach its target of three teams.

Neither the WRU nor Y11 have commented publicly on those reports, fuelling concern among Ospreys supporters about the future of their club, while Cardiff fans have voiced strong opposition on social media to any such deal.

“Work has continued to secure a sustainable long-term future for the Cardiff club and its supporters,” the WRU said. “This is a significant decision and will be taken with the thorough scrutiny and due diligence it deserves.”

Another major obstacle has been governance. The WRU is seeking greater control over playing affairs at the three surviving clubs, while still asking private backers to invest. That issue has proved a significant stumbling block in negotiations and has contributed to the ongoing delay.

As a result, uncertainty for players, staff and supporters across Welsh rugby is set to continue into the new year, with the future shape of the professional game still undecided.