Landmark Decision on the Future of Elite Wales Rugby

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) announced a landmark decision on the future of elite rugby in Wales, following one of the most extensive consultations ever undertaken in Welsh sport. The WRU Board unanimously agreed to implement a new whole-system approach to elite rugby, designed to deliver long-term success through rugby alignment across all levels of the game and financial sustainability.

The decision is the conclusion of an extensive consultation and engagement programme. There were more than 7,000 responses to the public engagement and over 31 face-to-face meetings took place throughout September with key stakeholders across the game.

Speaking at a press conference in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Chair of the WRU Board, Richard Collier-Keywood, said; “We have heard loud and clear from the consultation that people want a long-term fix and not a short-term patch. We have listened and we agree.

“Our decision is that the future structure of elite men’s rugby will be based on three professional men’s clubs, replacing the current four-team model, alongside two women’s elite teams.”

The WRU confirmed that it proposes to grant three licences for men’s clubs; one for the capital, one for West Wales and one for East Wales. There will be equal funding for the three team squads starting at £6.4M and rising to £7.8M per annum. This decision reflects the need to concentrate talent, improve competitiveness, and ensure financial sustainability.

Richard Collier-Keywood, continued, “Any change is difficult, and we have current contractual obligations to the URC and our professional clubs that we will honour in the absence of new agreements. We want to involve the URC and the owners and managers of the current clubs in how we get to our chosen destination. This may take some time, but we will work hard to get this done as quickly as possible.

“If, however, it ultimately proves impossible to reach a consensus on how this change will happen then the WRU will run a fair and transparent tendering process for the three licences. We have already guaranteed that all existing player contracts will be honoured.”

The WRU confirmed additional investment of £40 million across five years in Welsh rugby from the elite level to the pathways.

£28 million of this will go into:

• Improved coaching and education
• Men’s national academy with two regional training centres
• 12 men’s Player Development Centres
• A women’s national academy
• Three women’s Player Development Centres with nine satellite locations
• Additional investment in Super Rygbi Cymru and Celtic Challenge teams
• A new Talent and Insight Management Department which will manage talent identification, recruitment, retention and development across both men’s and women’s rugby

Richard Collier-Keywood, added, “Our intention is that we will work closely with the owners under a new licence agreement that will see them retaining overall control of the clubs and their commercial activity whilst the rugby operations and the funding for this will be the responsibility of the WRU. The details of this will be worked out with the clubs but our desire is to align to improve performance of both the national teams and the professional clubs.

“We have carried out an analysis of population demographics, community club distribution, registered community player numbers and potential future rugby players, coaches, university and school locations and physical rugby infrastructure across Wales. The geographical distribution of licences for the three future clubs in this new model will need to take into account these factors. Our view is that this will lead to licences being issued with one in the capital, one in the West and one in the East.”

WRU director of rugby and elite performance, Dave Reddin, said: “This new system has been built from the ground up to drive success with every part aligned and every decision designed to raise standards, restore the DNA of Welsh rugby and deliver the step forward in performance that everyone in Welsh rugby craves.

“As a result of the consultation, it has moved on for good reason from the original two-club model proposed. The consultation confirmed that change is needed, and this model focuses investment where it makes the biggest difference on the pitch. But we also heard the concerns of players and the deep passion for the heritage of our teams. On balance we feel that this three-team structure protects that for most while managing a necessary reduction in a fair and respectful way. This creates a sustainable, joined-up system.”

The WRU also announced significant investment in the women’s game, including two elite women’s teams, a Women’s National Academy, and a new domestic league.

Amanda Bennett, Independent Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Women’s Rugby Committee, said,
“This is a transformative moment for women’s rugby in Wales. The WRU’s commitment to funding and infrastructure will help us attract and retain top talent and build a competitive domestic structure. We all saw the amazing success of the Women’s World Cup tournament this year. This is an area for growth in the sport both globally and in Wales.”

Richard Collier-Keywood, concluded, “Many of these investments will benefit players coming through over the next few years. We want Wales to be an attractive place for them to play and for fans to see attractive rugby. Please support our teams as we rebuild the system together. Thank you”