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The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is set to propose a significant overhaul in the professional rugby landscape in Wales by reducing the number of professional sides from four to two. This move is part of a radical plan aimed at transforming the struggling game and ensuring its sustainability in the long run. The proposed plan includes each organization having both men’s and women’s teams, with the WRU expected to announce its preferred proposals soon.
Despite the current four professional men’s sides – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, and Scarlets – showing signs of progress, the WRU believes that reducing the number of teams is necessary for the future of Welsh rugby. This decision comes at a time when Ospreys have plans for a stadium move, Scarlets have new investors, and Dragons are advocating for the continuation of elite professional rugby in Gwent. Cardiff, on the other hand, is currently owned by the WRU.
The proposed restructuring involves elevated funding for each men’s squad, with a specific budget allocated for each team. The focus is on predominantly Welsh-qualified players, and there will be a reconsideration of non-Welsh qualified players in the new setup. The WRU plans to centralize the operations of the two men’s and two women’s teams under licenses, with any commercial operations managed by the respective owners or investors.
Overall, the WRU’s plan includes a phased approach to transition the professional rugby landscape in Wales, with the ultimate goal of improving the standard of competitions and ensuring a sustainable future for the sport. This decision comes after a period of negotiations with the regions and stakeholders, with the WRU emphasizing the need for a more radical strategy to address the current challenges facing Welsh rugby
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