🏉 Former Wales Rugby captain, Paul Thorburn, is calling for a major shake-up in Welsh rugby! He believes the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) should take charge of all professional teams in Wales, regardless of how many remain. Thorburn also wants an end to foreign players in Welsh teams, criticising World Rugby’s residency rule for stunting homegrown talent.
The WRU has just wrapped up consultations on the future of the professional game, suggesting potentially reducing the current four regions to two! A final decision is pending, with options still on the table, like keeping all four regions but boosting funding for two.
Thorburn threw his ideas into the mix at a recent talk. He questioned the sustainability of the current system, especially with the financial strain on clubs—Cardiff Rugby being the exception as it’s already under WRU control. Highlighting potential financial pitfalls, he pointed out that teams like the Ospreys struggle with low attendance but high player wages.
The ex-fullback, who once managed commercial strategies for the Ospreys, believes moving to a model without reliance on wealthy benefactors is crucial. He mentioned the Irish model as a more sustainable example. Plus, he warned against simply slashing the number of teams—suggesting that if they do trim down to two, starting fresh with new entities like East and West Wales might be wiser.
Thorburn reflected on the chaos professional rugby brought back in ’95 and remains sceptical about current structures’ viability. With a nod to the challenges facing rugby in other countries as well, he echoed the necessity of restructuring.
He’s adamant that non-Welsh qualified players should no longer be in the mix, believing this practice negatively affects the local player pathway. He slammed the former residency rule and took a swipe at the 25-cap rule, arguing it contradicts the inclusion of genuine Welsh players who may seek opportunities elsewhere.
🗣️ What do you think of Thorburn’s suggestions? Could this redefine Welsh rugby? Share your thoughts! 🏉