The Scarlets have become the fourth and final Welsh region to sign Welsh rugby’s new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA25), bringing an end to months of uncertainty over the professional game.
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The deal means all four regions – Scarlets, Cardiff Rugby, Ospreys and Dragons – are now signed up to the agreement, which runs until the start of the 2028/29 season.
In simple terms, PRA25 guarantees funding and provides greater financial stability for the four professional sides over the next two years, while also creating a closer working relationship with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).
The agreement is also a key part of the WRU’s long-term strategy, with Welsh rugby still planning to reduce from four professional men’s teams to three ahead of the 2028/29 season.
Until then, all four regions will continue to compete in the United Rugby Championship and European competitions, with the new agreement designed to provide stability while preparations continue for the future. WRU chief executive Abi Tierney welcomed the milestone.
“PRA25 creates greater alignment across Welsh rugby in Wales, and I am delighted that all four of our professional clubs have now signed.
“We have now entered a period of increased stability across the performance game in Wales and begun to increase investment in our support structures and pathways. A lot of hard work is going into our off the field activity to create an enhanced professional environment for Welsh players at every touch point that matches their on field commitment.
“Our strategy for the long-term future is clear and there will be further updates on our progress in this area soon but, for now, we look forward with excitement to the start of the next United Rugby Championship in September with all four of our professional teams at play.”
The agreement has been negotiated between the WRU and the regions through the Professional Rugby Board, whose chair Marianne Økland believes it marks an important moment for the game.
“This is a significant step forward in our plans for the future of Welsh rugby. The collaborative way negotiations between the WRU and the professional clubs have been conducted over recent months has been hugely encouraging, given the future challenges facing our game both globally and in Wales.”
For Scarlets, signing the agreement removes uncertainty and allows the club to focus on its long-term development both on and off the pitch.
Executive chairman Simon Muderack said:
“Signing the PRA25 is another important milestone as we build the next chapter in Scarlets’ proud 150-year history. With certainty for the next two years, we can accelerate the significant progress already underway on and off the field and move forward with confidence.”
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