Wales: Two regions sign new Professional Rugby Agreement deal as union welcome ‘decisiveness’ but divide emerges
Cardiff and Wales centre Ben Thomas with an inset of Abi Tierney
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) have confirmed the Dragons and Cardiff have signed up to the new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA25), but the Ospreys and Scarlets are yet to put pen to paper.
This news comes after the WRU gave the four professional regions a 48-hour deadline to sign the new deal, which sets out new funding arrangements for the professional game in Wales.
It is understood the two regions are stalling over concerns of the WRU’s takeover of Cardiff last month, after the capital club went into administration.
Dragons and Cardiff sign but western clubs stall
Commenting on the news, WRU CEO Abi Tierney said: “I’m absolutely delighted to confirm the new PRA25 is now agreed for Cardiff Rugby and Dragons RFC.
“The PRA25 will provide a stable platform to enable sustained success on the field for Cardiff and Dragons and will significantly support the overall progress of the professional game in Wales.”
The WRU added that they also welcomed the “decisiveness” of both outfits in signing the new PRA25.
The 48-hour deadline has been a source of contention, with the Ospreys Supporters Club and the Scarlets Supporters Club both issuing strong statements against it prior to Cardiff and the Dragons signing the deal.
What is the PRA25?
The PRA25 is a new five-year funding model which will see the regions who have agreed to the deal receive £6.5 million in central funding compared to the current £4.5 million.
Reports from both WalesOnline and the BBC indicate that talks are still ongoing between the WRU and the two sides that have not signed the new deal, but if an agreement cannot be reached, it could see a geographical divide in Welsh rugby.
The WRU still intend to honour the current funding model should the clubs not sign the new PRA25. However, that would mean at the start of next season they would receive £4.5 million, whereas Cardiff and the Dragons would receive the new total of £6.5 million.