Welsh Rugby Union considering cut to two or three regional teams in 'radical' restructure
Wales' four regions – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets – compete in the United Rugby Championship, but the quartet have struggled in recent years amid claims the current model of funding professional rugby in Wales is unsustainable.
The WRU announced in May that it would move away from the framework of four evenly-funded clubs after Ospreys and Scarlets did not sign up to its new Professional Rugby Agreement.
Now the governing body has announced it will enter into formal consultation with Wales' four regional clubs and other key stakeholders that will lead to a domestic restructure by the 2027-28 season.
Listed in the "key potential developments" to be consulted upon, the WRU included: "Whether there should be a reduction to three or two regional men's teams, to ensure that we have teams that can compete at the top of the professional game."
The Union added: "The WRU board has already publicly confirmed it does not see the system continuing with the current model of four equally funded regional clubs in the senior men's game.
"The current rugby system in Wales, which includes national teams, professional clubs, community clubs, academies, universities and schools isn't delivering consistent success on the field and isn't currently financially sustainable given the likely investment required, even with the recent actions taken to increase financial resources.
"Based on its extensive work over the past 18 months, including ongoing consultation with the four professional men's clubs, the WRU is therefore considering a more radical strategy focused on maximising investment and reforming the whole structure of professional rugby in Wales (amongst other options).
"The changes would be aimed at boosting Welsh rugby as a whole: the academies, the Super Rygbi Cymru (SRC) and Celtic Challenge competitions (men's and women's semi-pro game), professional clubs and the national teams for both men and women."
Wales have been in a rut at international level for some time, with the men's national team having suffered 18 consecutive Test defeats before beating Japan on Saturday to square the two-match series in the Far East.
The women's team have also finished bottom of the last two Six Nations Championships, losing all five matches for the first time in the 2025 edition.
"The consultation will cover the entire high-performance framework from pathways to professional club structure and the senior men's and women's game," the WRU added.
The consultation period will take place over August and September.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Wrexham sign former Premier League striker's son on free transfer after he ripped up contract at crisis club
HOLLYWOOD have landed themselves a new A-lister thanks to Wrexham's shrewd free agent pickup. The Welsh club have announced the signing of Josh Windass to add some much-needed Championship experience following their League One promotion last term. 5 Josh Windass has signed for Wrexham Credit: 5 Windass has left Sheffield Wednesday after having his contract ripped up Credit: Getty 5 He is the son of former Premier League striker Dean Windass Credit: Getty Windass, who is the son of former Premier League striker Now he has penned a three-year contract with Wrexham instead, joining Phil Parkinson's side in their quest for the Premier League off the back of three consecutive promotion seasons. Windass, who scored 53 goals in 153 games for the Owls, said of joining Wrexham: "I'm looking forward to getting going. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL "I've spoken to the manager, who has showed me his plans for the season and what he expects from the group, and I've really bought into that. 'I'd describe myself as honest and hard-working, I like to contribute goals and assists from midfield and that's what I'm looking to bring to Wrexham. 'First and foremost, I want to get into the team and earn the respect of my team-mates – I want to be professional, be someone to look up to and then get the team as high up the league as possible.' While boss Parkinson added: "I'm delighted to welcome Josh to the Club. Most read in Sport 5 CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "He's a player with a lot of Championship experience and I'm looking forward to working with him over the coming seasons.' Windass has played over 170 Championship games across spells with Ex-Rangers star's dad breaks down in tears after son's play-off winner The creative midfielder had his best return yet in the Championship last season, netting 13 goals and setting up another five in his 44 appearances. Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and 5
RTÉ News
7 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Treaty battle back to earn a point against Athlone
Champions Athlone Town were held by a gallant Treaty United at the Markets Field, an outcome that pushes Colin Fortune's side three points clear at the top of the Women's Premier Division. Kayleigh Shine's opener for the visitors was cancelled out by a stunning Katie Lawlee strike. With Cardiff City to come in an historic Champions League tie next week, Athlone could have been forgiven for looking beyond the Shannonsiders. Isabel Ryan replaced Madison Gibson from the draw with Galway United last Saturday, showing Colin Fortune was focused on this tie. Treaty, meanwhile were looking to build on an impressive away success against Cork City. Sean Russell's side have been competitive all season. This is a first draw and perhaps turning defeats into draws will be key to a successful campaign. Treaty had earlier spurned chances through Madelyn Robbins – the second of which saw her race clear following a Isabella Flocchini pass – only for Megan Plaschko to speed out to deny her with a superb save. Less than 100 seconds later, the ball was in the net at the other end. After hesitation in the home defence, the home side conceded a needless corner-kick. Katie Shine's well weighted corner kicked dipped perfectly beneath the bar and was over the line before a defender or attacker could get a touch. It gave the Midlanders the early advantage and appeared to knock United after a high-energy start. Kelly Brady struck the bar from an acute angle on 18 minutes, her left-footed effort perhaps needed to be guided across the keeper, rather than a blasted effort from ten was inches away from doubling the lead on the half-hour, springing the cover only to shoot narrowly wide across Lawlee thundered in an equaliser on the stroke of half-time. The Limerick native waited for a cut Madelyn Robbins cutback and after a wonderful first touch, blasted in off the underside of the bar from just inside the was the first goal conceded by on the road by Athlone, with four successful shutouts a big reason they are top of the a cagey second period, both had half chances to take the spoils. Lawlee again for Treaty, but Athlone came closest. Another Shine corner caused another issue late on, but Athlone struggled to penetrate the defence led superbly by Mara McCleary. Lucy Fitzgerald, however, passed up a golden opportunity in stoppage now prepare for that huge Champions League clash with Welsh champions, Cardiff on Wednesday next. The fixture may evoke memories of their men's side entertaining AC Milan in 1975. The winners will play ZNK Agram, also in Athlone, on 2 August. Treaty United: Liisa Tuomi; Grace McInerney, Mara McCleary, Aibhlinn Cotter, Ayaka Ikeza (Laura O'Neill 90); Kate Jones, Jillian O'Toole, Madison McGuane (Cara Griffin 82), Isabella Flocchini; Madelyn Robbins (Ciara Breslin 65); Katie Lawlee.
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Irish Examiner
Five Lions now in contention for second Test selection
Owen Farrell Starting his first game for the Lions on his fourth tour, Farrell captained the midweek side on Tuesday from inside centre and confirmed his status as a squad leader with an authoritative performance, his short kick over the top providing midfield partner Jamie Osborne with the assist for the second try of the night. It could have been enough to oust Marcus Smith as the back-up playmaker, able to play 10 and 12. Read More Osborne brace helps Lions limp over the line against a stern First Nations and Pasifika side Garry Ringrose After missing the first Test due to a concussion, the outside centre was forced to play longer than anticipated off the bench after replacing injured wing Darcy Graham on 16 minutes. Pushing starting 13 Jamie Osborne out to cover Graham's right wing position, Ringrose immediately dovetailed well with Owen Farrell, sharp in attack, solid in defence. Ringrose could be in line to replace Huw Jones as the starting outside centre or join Farrell on the bench, the Irishman able to cover 13 and the wings. Blair Kinghorn The Toulouse and Scotland full-back was making his first appearance in nearly two weeks having sustained a knee injury against the Brumbies in Canberra and it was a mixed bag of a performance. Was he the focus of Farrell's criticism of playing 'exhibition match' rugby after having two passes intercepted, one of them leading directly to a First Nations & Pasifika try? Perhaps there is still a way into the Test mix, if not by ousting 1st Test full-back Hugo Keenan then by starting on the left wing, or stealing ahead of Ringrose as the Lions no. 23. Jamie George The three-time Lions tourist may have leapfrogged Ronan Kelleher for the back-up hooking role behind Dan Sheehan thanks to his superior lineout throwing. The lineout against the First Nations & Pasifika was not perfect, with three lost from a total of 26 thrown and playing 73 minutes before being replaced may count against the England Test centurion. Jac Morgan The Welsh flanker whose omission from the first Test matchday squad caused a beleaguered rugby nation to wail in despair got a second bite of the cherry from blindside rather than openside at Marvel Stadium on Tuesday in a back-row alongside fellow Test hopefuls Josh van der Flier and Henry Pollock. His withdrawal from the fray after just 50 minutes suggested there may be plans being made for Morgan's involvement this Saturday at the MCG.
