WRU confirm roadmap to axing one region as Ospreys or Scarlets face cut
The Principality Stadium in Cardiff
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) have confirmed the roadmap for cutting one of the four professional regions by the 2028/29 season, with either the Ospreys or Scarlets in line to be axed.
The announcement from the governing body comes after months of discussions over the future of professional club rugby in Wales, with the WRU confirming back in April it was set to press on with its plans to cut one region. It also follows a proposed takeover attempt of Cardiff by Ospreys owners Y11, which later fell through.
As part of the framework, there will be one team in the capital, East Wales and West Wales, with only incumbent teams eligible for licenses. As a result, Dragons and Cardiff, who are still owned by the WRU, are in line to be offered the respective East and capital licenses, with the two western sides competing for the last remaining spot.
WRU confirm roadmap to axing one region
The WRU have confirmed the process is scheduled to begin in December 2026 and conclude at the end of the 26/27 domestic season at the latest.
Under the new timeframe, the WRU will also bring together leaders from all professional teams and other stakeholders within the game at the end of the November leg of the Nations Championship to co-create the future operating model for the men’s professional game, as well as determine the interest of each existing professional club in taking up the new 2028 license agreements.
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“We have affirmed that the future operating model will involve three professional teams from the start of the 2028/29 season and now have a firm timeline for our next steps,” WRU vice chair, John Manders, said.
“We have already begun to put the support structures in place to develop the related player pathways, to create the best environments for our senior players, to provide the right financial support and to develop the facilities around them.
“We are making important progress which will safeguard the future of our game, concentrate resources and give our teams the best chance of achieving success at all levels.”
Chair of the Professional Rugby Board, Marianne Økland, added: “There is now a duty on all of us involved in the professional game in Wales to work together to determine a shared future operating model. How we progress over the forthcoming months will be critical.
“The aim is to finalise the new licensing model as quickly as possible and then move quickly to confirm future licence arrangements and transition plans. This will allow an orderly implementation and avoid prolonged uncertainty for clubs, players, supporters, investors and sponsors.
“Assuming that Cardiff Rugby and Dragons RFC want to sign up to the proposed licensing terms, there is now certainty that they will be offered the capital and east licences respectively. We understand that there will be ongoing uncertainty until a final decision on the west licence is made.
“That is why we are committed to progressing in a collaborative way, whilst not underestimating the considerable challenges ahead, and providing stability for all at the earliest opportunity.”