WRU proposal puts two teams on the chopping block
NEWS: The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed plans to cut the country’s four professional sides down to just two in a major restructure of the game.
The WRU says the move will allow for greater centralisation, with the union funding rugby costs directly while clubs take responsibility for commercial operations.
It remains unclear whether the two surviving teams will come from the existing four – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets – or if entirely new entities will be created. A six-week consultation process is underway, but the regions have already signalled that they will fight for their futures.
Under the plan, both men’s teams would have 50-player squads with budgets of £7.8 million, focusing mainly on Welsh-qualified players. A men’s national academy will also replace individual club academies.
The restructure will also see two professional women’s teams established, each with 40-player squads made up largely of Welsh talent alongside a handful of overseas stars.
The WRU hopes to have the new structure in place by the 2027/28 season at the latest.
Source: WalesOnline
