There is a growing realisation the four team model has no future, with a reduction to two now being discussed
In the latest edition of the Inside Welsh Rugby newsletter, Steffan Thomas gives an update on where things are at behind the scenes as the future continues to be decided.
Last week’s latest Professional Rugby Board meeting saw the WRU and regions come together and, while no major decisions were made, things are starting to become clearer, with a series of WRU board meetings over the coming weeks likely to move us on to the next stage.
The union’s aim is to work collaboratively with the four clubs to thrash out what the future looks like, but there is a growing realisation that four teams are simply not feasible, even on a tiered funding model. That, of course, makes things difficult.
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Steffan says: “As Wales prepare for a summer Test series in Japan and the British & Irish Lions jet off to Australia, high level talks continue between the Welsh Rugby Union and its four professional clubs – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets.
“The Professional Rugby Board (PRB) met last Wednesday to discuss the future direction of the professional game in Wales. WalesOnline understands no consensus was reached, with the WRU outlining the potential scenarios facing the professional game in Wales.
“The three options are a reduction to three or two teams and a tiered funding model where two clubs receive significantly higher funding than the other two. Due to the Ospreys and Scarlets refusing to sign PRA25 because of concerns the WRU would turn Cardiff into a ‘super region’ after acquiring the capital city club, there will be a tiered funding system for the 2025/26 season.
“But this is not a long-term solution and WalesOnline understands there is a desire within the upper echelons of Welsh rugby to reduce the number of professional clubs, with two actually looking more likely than three at this moment in time.”
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