Big news from the world of Welsh rugby! The WRU has kicked off meetings with all four professional clubs in a bid to streamline the regions from four teams to three by the 2027/28 season. With Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, and Scarlets all in the mix, the union is hoping to achieve consensus and avoid a lengthy legal wrangle.
The plan? Maintain one team in Cardiff, one in the east, and one in the west. But the challenge lies in deciding which two teams will merge in the west, possibly putting the Ospreys and Scarlets on a collision course.
Interesting twist: even though the WRU wants to centralise control—including appointing coaches and performance staff—they’re also open to current team owners applying for licences elsewhere. Rumour has it that Cardiff, currently WRU-owned after going into administration, could be snapped up by a new group of investors. A Hollywood-backed consortium is reportedly among the interested parties!
Expect heated debates over centralised control, as existing funding directors aren’t thrilled with the proposed terms. It’s a delicate balance between maintaining investment and managing team operations, and key discussions will continue through the year. Could we see a tender process kick off in 2026 if consensus isn’t reached?
Stay tuned for updates as we follow this highly-anticipated shake-up in Welsh rugby! What’s your take on the three-team plan? Do you think it’s a move forward for Welsh rugby, or a step back? Let’s chat! 🏉