No WRU decision on how to cut region in 2025

Before the end of 2025, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) predicts there won’t be a resolution on how to cut a professional men’s side.

The Welsh rugby union’s governing body announced in October that it wants to reduce the number of teams from four to three.

By Christmas, the WRU intended to explain how this would happen.

The union stated that this will no longer occur and that discussions will continue in a WRU end-of-year message signed by president Terry Cobner, chair Richard Collier-Keywood, and chief executive Abi Tierney.

The WRU stated that “our top priority is to reach a consensus with the professional clubs as soon as possible.”

“While we had hoped to give certainty before Christmas, it has become clear that we need to work together for a while.”

Three licences, one for a team in Cardiff, one for a team in the west, and one for a team in the east, were announced by the WRU in October.

Ospreys, Scarlets, Cardiff, and Dragons have continued to negotiate, but nothing will be settled before the year’s end.

A six-month tender process could be in place to choose the successful trio if an agreement is not reached in January.

Before a second proposal for the west licence came out, it appeared as though Scarlets and Ospreys would fight it out for the spot.

In April, the WRU took control of Cardiff following its administration.

Since Ospreys owners Y11 Sports and Media linked to purchasing Cardiff, which would allow the WRU to reach its magic number three, the governing body has since been looking for new investors.

Fans of the Ospreys have expressed concern about the team’s survival on social media, but the WRU and Y11 have both declined to comment.

The WRU stated that “work has continued to ensure the Cardiff club’s supporters’ long-term sustainability.”

“This is a significant decision that will be evaluated thoroughly and thoroughly.”

The WRU also asks backers to contribute money to the projects while also requesting control over the remaining three sides’ playing situations.

The WRU strategy, which the governing body acknowledges has been the most debated part, included culling a men’s professional team.

The WRU stated that it was not reversing this.

It stated that neither it is about abandoning any region of Wales nor about turning our backs on the communities that have long supported professional sports teams.

“It’s about developing a professional game that is long-lasting, competitive, and capable of supporting the wider rugby ecosystem.

Fewer teams lead to stronger squads, stabler finances, and more open doors for players to advance beyond the professional and international arenas through Super Rygbi Cymru.

Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan, the captains of Wales and Ospreys, announced in December that they will leave Welsh rugby’s uncertainty for Gloucester next year.

Players who are dealing with a gurkish Christmas are expected to follow.

The WRU stated, “We understand the disappointment experienced when talented Welsh players choose to play their club rugby elsewhere,” and we have made an effort to lessen the uncertainty surrounding the current situation.

“We have confirmed that all existing player contracts are guaranteed to the WRPA (Welsh rugby players association) and our professional clubs.”

The senior men’s and women’s senior teams have experienced record-setting defeats and humiliating defeats, according to the WRU.

The WRU remarked, “This has been a year of hard truths and hard work.”

We have had to confront realities that were beyond our control, and we are aware of how painful it can sometimes be to do so.

“We have all been let down by the results of our international matches. We have had to make some difficult decisions to ensure the future of Welsh rugby has been secured because the professional game has been under pressure both financially and financially.

The WRU’s governing body claims to be making difficult decisions in fixing its previous mistakes.

According to the WRU, “proper leadership means acting before the circumstances force us to.”

“Wales rugby has spent insufficient money on its foundations over the past few decades, particularly in the links between our community clubs, schools, and educational establishments, both domestically and internationally.

To ensure the system’s future, we must act professionally and make difficult decisions right away.

The WRU claims to be investing an additional £28 million over the next five years to address five issues:

The WRU insists there are reasons to be optimistic in 2026, stating: “We have strengthened our financial position, welcomed some top-notch Welsh coaches back home, and continued to invest in the women’s and girls’ game.

In the years to come, Welsh rugby will look different. Change can be uncomfortable and painful for some people.