WRU Proposes Halving Professional Clubs in Radical Restructure

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has outlined plans that could see the number of professional clubs in Wales cut from four to two in what it describes as a “radical step” to secure the sport’s future.

The governing body has presented four options for the professional game: keeping four clubs with unequal funding, three with equal funding, three with unequal funding, or reducing to two clubs with equal funding – which it labelled the “optimal choice”. No details have been given on which regions could survive under the proposals.

WRU chief executive Abi Tierney said: “We know how emotional rugby is and that people will be hurting when thinking about what this could mean for their team. But carrying on as we are is not the right thing for fans either. We had to do something radically different.”

A consultation period will begin on 1 September, with a final recommendation to go before the WRU board in October.

The move is expected to spark opposition from most of the existing regions. The Ospreys have announced plans to redevelop St Helen’s in Swansea, the Scarlets are pursuing new investors, and the Dragons insist elite rugby must remain in Gwent. Cardiff Rugby, currently owned by the WRU following an April rescue, also face an uncertain future.

Tierney added: “The current rugby model in Wales is no longer delivering what our game needs. That’s why we are inviting views on the opportunities for change.”