BREAKING: WRU are set to cut from four regions to three after a “record-breaking” consultation period

Friday, 24 October 2025 at 15:42

byHarry Tovey

In another dramatic turn of events in Welsh Rugby, at a major press conference at Principality Stadium, which was titled “The Way Forward Ymlaen”, the Welsh Rugby Union announced a long-term plan which will see the number of professional teams in Wales cut.

Only a matter of weeks ago, the WRU announced that one, or even two, of Wales’ regional sides could go, but, in the short term, it will remain with four regions. But as soon as possible, the WRU will be looking to reduce the number of regions, with Cardiff, Ospreys, Scarlets, and Dragons all at risk.

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Moving forward, the WRU will grant three licenses for three men’s clubs: one in the west, one in the east, and one remaining in Cardiff. There will be equal funding for the three sides, starting at £6.4 million and ultimately rising to 7.8 million per annum.

Dave Reddin, who attended all 31 face-to-face meetings throughout the month of September, 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 board, well represented at the press conference, reached a unanimous decision to implement a new systematic approach to rugby in Wales, aiming to deliver long-term success through alignment and financial sustainability.

The Union itself announced an investment of £40 million across five years in Welsh rugby, with £28 million going to a 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.

There will be additional investment in Super Rygbi Cymru and Celtic Challenge teams, a new Talent and Insight Management Department to manage talent identification, recruitment, retention, and development across both men’s and women’s rugby, and improved coaching and education.

Speaking at the press conference, after mistakenly stating £28,000 instead of £28 million, Richard Collier-Keywood said: “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.”

More to follow.