WRU defends plan to axe two teams, claiming ‘once in a generation opportunity to get this right’
Cardiff's Josh Adams makes a break against the Ospreys last April
The Welsh Rugby Union have unveiled four options to restructure professional rugby in Wales – including its clear preference to cut the number of regional teams from four to two.
Following months of speculation, WRU officials finally confirmed their plan to produce an “optimal system” for professional rugby in the country.
Four suggested models were presented at a media briefing in Cardiff on Wednesday, but the WRU claimed that Model D – two professional clubs with equal funding – was their preferred option rather than the other proposals – Model A (four professional clubs with unequal funding), Model B (three professional clubs with equal funding) and Model C (three professional clubs with unequal funding.
A statement read: “The proposed optimal system seems to link best to Model D, which focuses playing talent and resources into two professional clubs, each in turn running two professional teams – one men’s and one women’s side.
‘Two-club scenario would release significant investment’
“The system will have the single goal of creating a ‘winning-Wales’ across the game. However, we recognise that there are alternatives, including investing less in some of the wider systems changes which would then bring other models into focus.
“If the two-club scenario is chosen, it would release significant investment which, together with the substantial improvement in the WRU’s financial position over the last two years, would be used to enhance the existing semi-professional Super Rygbi Cymru league, narrowing the gap between Wales’ leading heritage clubs and the elite professional game.
“Crucially, we would also invest in accelerating the growth of the women’s game whilst also boosting the academy structure and player pathways feeding into the professional teams.
“In addition, the creation of a national campus, a central element of the proposed optimal system, would create an aspirational, world-class environment, designed for innovation and collaboration, becoming the training base for national teams, national academies and the two professional clubs.
“The consultation also acknowledges the importance of the community game and schools’ rugby, but they are not included within the scope of this consultation. However, support for the education of elite players is considered an essential part of the funnel into the elite pathway.
“The women’s game is a major focus of the One Wales strategy, with significant work already undertaken and underway. The consultation reinforces the WRU’s commitment to the women’s game, which would be accelerated through the recommendations made as part of previous work.”
A formal consultation process will now be launched so that the WRU board can look at the evidence and views from all its stakeholders before it decides in October on what to do about Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets.
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WRU CEO Abi Tierney said: “We are clear that the current rugby model in Wales is no longer delivering what our game needs. That is why we are inviting views on the opportunities for change we have put forward – so we can bring the One Wales strategy to life.
“This consultation is about listening. No decisions have been made, and we must work together. Every voice matters, including, critically, our professional clubs, and everyone must have a seat at the table to help shape the future of rugby in Wales.”
Dave Reddin, WRU director of rugby and elite performance, added: “This is a genuine consultation process and while we have our own ideas based on the research we have done, we know the best solutions come from listening.
“The approach we have designed is respectful, thorough and inclusive, and we encourage people to challenge our ideas and help us create something that we can all get behind.
“The national campus would be a purposeful, collaborative space, a uniquely Welsh environment that other top-tier nations would find difficult to replicate, creating a sustainable, collaborative space that provides the competitive advantage needed to increase our performance levels in all aspects of the game from playing to coaching.”
WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood said: “The important thing for us as a board is that, when we are presented with an updated recommendation in October, we know we will have listened and considered all the feedback and options before making a decision.
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to get this right and create an exciting future for our game, and this is a responsibility we are taking extremely seriously.”
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