Dragons demand rethink on ‘unacceptable’ WRU plans

The plans for the elite game, which propose reducing four professional sides to two, have been rejected by the Dragons, who have stated that “Welsh rugby deserves better.”

The Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) plan to change the game’s fortunes is currently in its first week of operation.

The “optimal system” proposed by the governing body would reduce Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, and Scarlets to two men’s professional sides.

On Tuesday, the Rodney Parade club and the WRU spoke about the plans.

A Dragons statement read, “No compelling case has been made to reduce the number of professional teams to two.”

The WRU acquired Dragons in 2017 and transferred it to private ownership in 2023 with the completion of a partnership that included the nine-acre Rodney Parade site with co-owners David Wright, David Buttress, and Hoyoung Huh.

The new business models would require private investors to be in charge of all rugby operations while the WRU would provide all funding for commercial ones.

The Dragons’ statement read, “The governance structures that the WRU has outlined are unacceptable.”

In May, the Dragons, who finished last year at the bottom of the United Rugby Championship, partnered with the WRU to sign a new Professional Rugby Agreement.

They claim to have a “clear plan to improve on-field performance” and are financially stable.

They are seeking legal counsel, and they are asking the WRU to alter their plans while they will go forward with the consultation.

The initial proposals simply don’t add up, according to chairman Wright, who is “extremely disappointed in them.”

We want to find a solution and will continue to participate in the consultation.

There is no way we can accept the proposals in their current form, despite our commitment to ensuring a prosperous future for Welsh rugby and to continuing elite rugby in Gwent.

A report will be sent to the WRU board in mid-October, with a final decision expected by the end of that month, which will be followed by the consultation process’ conclusion on Friday, September 26.