🏉 Big Changes Ahead for Welsh Rugby! 🏉
Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is set to shake things up with a new structure for professional rugby in Wales. Over the next three months, WRU will dive into a formal consultation with key players in the rugby community, including clubs, players, and fans.
Key questions on the table:
1️⃣ How many professional teams should exist? Options range from maintaining four clubs to potentially reducing to two.
2️⃣ Financial models: Should all clubs receive equal funding, or is a differentiated model better?
3️⃣ The future of women’s rugby will be at the core of the new strategy.
WRU CEO, Abi Tierney, emphasises the consultative approach: “We want an open dialogue to understand community perspectives and ensure we aren’t just pushing a top-down decision.”
With supporters’ voices vital in this process, a diverse fan panel of 1,000 members will provide insights during the consultation. Fans can also engage with the plans online once published.
WRU’s new Director of Rugby, Dave Reddin, leads the drafting of the proposal, analysing the current challenges and exploring optimal solutions.
Despite potential reductions in the number of professional clubs, Tierney assures transparency, especially considering WRU’s ownership of Cardiff. An independent chair will oversee Cardiff’s involvement, ensuring fair play without favouritism.
The WRU expects to finalise and announce the new structure by October, aiming for consensus through the consultation. However, if consensus isn’t reached, a stringent selection process may take place, where clubs will tender for their place based on a defined set of criteria.
Stay tuned as Welsh rugby embarks on this transformative journey to build a stronger future for the sport! 🏆
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