WRU set to propose cutting number of pro clubs in Wales from four to two
ITV reporter Matt Southcombe on what the expected changes could mean for Welsh rugby.
The Welsh Rugby Union is expected to announce its proposals for the future of the game, including a reduction in teams from four to two.
On Tuesday, new WRU Director of Rugby Dave Reddin presented a number of proposals to the regions at a meeting of the Professional Rugby Board, which is responsible for running the pro game in Wales.
Among them was the WRU's 'optimal solution', which is believed to be a reduction in teams.
A formal consultation process is expected to begin this week, where the WRU will enter discussions with the four existing professional clubs - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets - along with the supporter groups of each club, a panel of fans, and the Welsh Rugby Players Association.
It is not clear whether the two surviving clubs would be any of the existing four, who will all be readying themselves for a fight for survival.
What is brewing is set to eclipse the abandoned merger between the Ospreys and Scarlets in 2019 and the threat of strike action on the eve of Wales’ 2023 clash with England.
Back in May, the WRU abandoned its intention to continue funding four professional clubs evenly: the collapse of Cardiff and then its takeover by the WRU, declining broadcast revenues and the financial impact of Wales’ historic 18-match losing run being worse than projected have been cited as some of the reasons.
It followed the Union and four clubs failing to settle on a new equal funding model.
Each side will argue it should be among those to stay.
Cardiff are now owned by the WRU following the club's collapse in April, while the Ospreys are ploughing ahead with a planned redevelopment of the historic St Helen's ground in Swansea which would see the club have its own ground after previously using the Swansea.com Stadium.
The Scarlets only this month announced significant investment from US company House of Luxury, whose sports department is led by former WRU CEO David Moffett. The Kiwi was at the helm of Welsh rugby when the regions were created in 2003 and has often divided opinions. On HOL’s Sports Advisory Board is former Wales fly-half and Ospreys legend Dan Biggar.
The Dragons have issued a statement this week, saying its ambition to build a club "that could thrive both on and off the field" has not changed, adding: "Elite rugby must remain in Gwent and Dragons RFC has every reason to continue proudly in its current form."
By October, the WRU anticipates it will have a decision on how Welsh rugby will proceed.