Wales consider cutting number of professional rugby teams in half
A statement from the WRU on Monday afternoon heralded a formal consultation and engagement process with stakeholders, including players and staff from Cardiff, the Dragons, the Ospreys and the Scarlets, that will take place over August and September and lead to a restructure.
It is said to be covering 'the entire high-performance structure' of the game in Wales from age-grade pathways to professional clubs and its results will be confirmed in October.
The WRU board has already voiced its view that it does not see the current model of four equally-funded regional sides continuing, but Monday's statement suggested that Wales could end up with two professional men's teams as a result of these discussions.
Among the 'key potential developments to be consulted' during the engagement process was listed 'whether there should be a reduction to three or two regional men's teams to ensure that we have the teams that can compete at the top of the professional game'.
Days after Wales beat Japan 31-22 in Kobe to halt a run of 18 successive Test match losses that stretched back to the 2023 World Cup, the WRU statement delivered the reality check that 'Welsh rugby has experienced a deterioration in performance on and off the field and, statistically, has just had its worst season ever in its senior men's game'.
The WRU signalled its intention to strike upon a 'more radical strategy' to address a situation that 'isn't currently financially sustainable given the investment required'. Funding to strengthen Super Rygbi Cymru, a semi-professional competition, was named as another aspect of the discussions.
Dave Reddin, who has worked with Sir Clive Woodward and Sir Gareth Southgate in previous roles with England and the Football Association, was unveiled as the WRU's new director of rugby and elite performance in April.
A full-time successor to Warren Gatland, who left his role as head coach in February, is yet to be determined. Matt Sherratt continued in a caretaker capacity for the trip to Japan. Reddin has been tasked with recruiting for this position and has reportedly identified a suitable candidate.
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