Welsh rugby on brink of civil war with two-tier funding model confirmed
The Principality Stadium in Cardiff
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) have confirmed the Scarlets and Ospreys are still yet to sign up to the new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA25), and have now issued a two-year notice on the current deal.
The WRU have confirmed they will still work closely with the four professional clubs to agree a way forward post-July 2027 when the two-year notice on the current agreement expires, but detailed that the system would not return to the model of four evenly funded professional clubs.
Cardiff, who are under the control of the WRU, and the Dragons have both signed up to the new deal, which will see them receive an increased £6.5 million a year in central funding from next season, while the Scarlets and Ospreys will only receive £4.5 million.
Welsh rugby on brink of civil war as two clubs miss latest PRA25 deadline
In a statement, WRU CEO Tierney said: “We are continuing to talk to all four clubs about what the future will hold.
“We recognise this will be time of uncertainty and are committed to treating all the clubs, players, and supporters with respect and fairness throughout this process.
“We acknowledge the continued commitment of each club to Welsh rugby and will formulate a new plan with the best interests of the whole game in Wales at the forefront of our thinking.
“When I announced the headline strategy back in July 2024, I said one thing is for certain, given the challenges facing rugby in Wales and globally, there will be times when we need to adjust our course. We must seize this opportunity.
“Our continued aim is to build a resilient and world-class structure that will support Welsh rugby’s next generation and beyond.”
Professional Rugby Board chair Malcolm Wall added: “The next phase of consultation, as always, will be conducted with the best interests of the whole of Welsh rugby at its heart.”
The PRA25 was created to ensure a more financially sustainable future for the Welsh regions, who have struggled to compete at Europe’s top-table.
Of the four Welsh sides in the United Rugby Championship, only the Scarlets reached the top eight while the Dragons finished rock bottom with just one win from their 18 league matches.
Following the WRU’s statement, the Ospreys and Scarlets have once again issued a powerful statement expressing their disappointment at what they believe is a ‘U-turn’ from the governing body.
“The Ospreys and Scarlets are concerned and disappointed to read the WRU’s statement today (18 May 2025) outlining a sudden change in its strategy of four equally-funded professional clubs in Wales,” the statement read.
“This U-turn has now created more destabilising and debilitating uncertainty in our game, with pertinent questions being asked by stakeholders across our clubs and within our communities regarding the future framework and landscape for professional rugby in Wales.”
“The very foundations that both the ‘One Wales’ strategy and new PRA (2025) are based upon have now changed dramatically and without full consultation. This goes back on recent commitments made to the clubs and to Welsh rugby fans.”
“The future framework and landscape for professional rugby in Wales matters to us all.
We would urge the WRU to provide more clarity and detail on the decision, the ‘opportunity’ that it wishes to seize and to inform us what the process will be for a new system and model for Welsh Rugby and how they intend to deliver it.”
“We need a unifying position and coherent strategy that allows us to continue to compete and grow as professional clubs in Wales.”
“As professional clubs, we share the same passion, focus and hope for a better and more sustainable future for our game in Wales, which has been impacted significantly in recent years. ”
“We thank all those connected with our two clubs including players and staff, supporters, partners, sponsors and our wider rugby communities for their continued support and patience while we seek to find a sustainable and equitable solution for the future.”
“We are key contributors to the success of Welsh rugby and we remain committed to working constructively and collaboratively with the WRU to find solutions that support the game across our country and ensure a level playing field for all.”