Welsh rugby civil war intensifies as MP calls on WRU to ‘return to the discussion table’ with Ospreys and Scarlets

Louis Chapman Coombe
An overhead shot of the Principality Stadium before the Champions Cup final

An overlook of the Principality Stadiun

Welsh MP Stephen Kinnock has issued an impassioned plea to the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to recommence negotiations with the Ospreys and Scarlets after the Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA25) issues. 

The game in Wales is on the verge of civil war following the two western clubs missing the deadline to agree to the new PRA25, resulting in the WRU putting a two-year notice period on the current deal.

As it stands, the WRU will install a two-tier funding model when the current deal expires in 2027, with Cardiff and the Dragons receiving £6.5 million whereas the Ospreys and Scarlets would only receive £4.5 million.

Ospreys and Scarlets have previously revealed they did not sign up to the deal due to the WRU’s takeover of Cardiff following their administration.

MP issues impassioned plea to WRU

In a statement posted on X, Kinnock, the MP for Aberafan Maesteg, said: “On Friday (May 23) we met as a group of MPs with the Chair and Group Chief Executive of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to discuss our concerns over recent developments around the Professional Rugby Agreement as representatives of the constituencies linked with Ospreys and Scarlets regions.

“Both Ospreys and Scarlets had committed to signing the new PRA before the collapse of Cardiff Rugby and its subsequent rescue by the WRU. Following that event the clubs requested assurances of fairness and equality for all clubs. The requests from clubs was not with a mind to gaining an advantage for themselves, but to help ensure a positive future for the whole of Welsh rugby.

Welsh club standoff continues as two regions issue powerful joint-statement after missing PRA deadline

“Rugby is central to our communities, not just at professional level, but in schools, local clubs and grassroots settings across the country. Wales’ professional clubs understand that they play a critical role in supporting the rugby ecosystem as well as the social and economic fabric of Welsh communities.

“Rugby is a game that is built on respect. It is imperative that the WRU treats each of Wales’ professional clubs with respect and fairness and that no club is handed an advantage at the expense of others. Without our professional clubs everyone – schools, local rugby clubs and the wider community – suffers.

Welsh rugby on brink of civil war with two-tier funding model confirmed

“The uncertainty that the WRU’s actions and announcements have caused is leading to further destabilisation of Welsh rugby and everything which relies upon it.

“Both clubs have both assured us they remain committed to working collaboratively with the WRU to reach an agreement that gives fair treatment to all.

“We urge the WRU to return to the discussion table to provide the assurances of fairness and equality for all clubs that Ospreys and Scarlets have requested in the best interests of Welsh rugby.”

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