Seismic change or plan B? What now for Welsh rugby?

A decision regarding the future of the game is getting closer as the professional Welsh rugby season begins.

On Friday, a public opinion poll about the radical plans of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to reduce the professional team’s roster from four to two was completed.

The governing body claims that the survey, which included more than 7, 000 participants, is one of Wales’ largest ever, and that it was completed by more than 7, 000 people.

Compared to the Welsh Government’s consultation on the proposed 20-mph speed limit in 2021, roughly 6 100 people responded.

However, it will be up to only a select few people to decide a generational decision that will affect thousands for the foreseeable future.

The Welsh team’s persistent failure has highlighted the need for change.

After posting their worst performance in tournament history, the women’s team were eliminated from the World Cup and the men’s national men’s team lost 18 matches.

The 90-page consultation WRU document offers four options in addition to the composition of the men’s professional game, which has caused the most publicity.

The WRU preferred solution, which also included factors like having two evenly spaced professional sides, was the final model.

The governing body wants to fund and oversee all rugby-related issues, with commercial operations primarily being managed by private investors.

The WRU insists that no decisions have been made and that it is willing to have plans developed in response to discussions with professional clubs, players, and supporters.

However, many people, including former WRU bosses Gareth Davies and David Moffett, have criticized the plans, which have sparked a hostile response to the WRU’s preferred two-team setup.

Welsh rugby “deserves better,” according to Dragons, who have been the most vocal players, and who have argued that there is no compelling case to cut two regions because the proposed structures are unacceptable.

The initial proposals simply don’t add up, according to Dragons chairman David Wright, who is also deeply disappointed.

“The proposals are inherently unacceptable, and there is no way we can accept them.” The WRU must reconsider and give football better.

At a recent pre-season friendly, Llanelli and Newport councillors were vocal in their criticism of the Dragons and Scarlets. Before Saturday’s opening league game, Scarlets fans intend to protest.

Ospreys and Wales captain Jac Morgan, who has indicated he will leave to play club rugby outside of Wales if his current side is eliminated, are other players who are unhappy.

The WRU proposals, according to the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA), would “drive talent to leave Wales.”

The players’ collective opinion is clear, according to WRPA CEO Gareth Lewis, “the proposed two-club model does not have their support.”

The WRU’s governing body is open to compromise, according to the mood music from both inside and outside discussions.

You might wonder why four teams have endured this turmoil and worry if the WRU completely relented and continued to operate on unequal funding.

One team would need to go of its own accord, go through a tender process, or merge if they decided to have three teams.

The futures of Ospreys, Scarlets, and Dragons will be closely watched as Cardiff appears to be safe from the axe now that they have been taken over by the WRU in April when they go into administration.

For the 2026-27 season, Scarlets unveiled new investors this month while Ospreys are already renovating St Helen’s in Swansea.

Reddin has revealed that a meeting with an independent group had a different perspective.

While many of the same themes were emerging at club, player, and supporter meetings, Reddin said this “outside” group had a much more ambivalent viewpoint.

A number of documents will be requested from the WRU board to aid in its decision-making process.

In our consultation and engagement meetings, Reddin stated that “we have proposed an optimal system, advocated its merits, and have discussed this in great detail.”

“We have continued to pay close attention to the information and viewpoints that were presented.”

Reddin acknowledges that not every stakeholder will agree with any outcome.

“I’m confident that we will make a number of recommendations that will prioritize the future success of the Welsh rugby system,” Reddin said.

The WRU board will receive recommendations in October, at the end of that month, to make a final recommendation for the course of action.

The 12-member board includes chair Richard Collier-Keywood, chief executive Abi Tierney, and executive vice president Abi Tierney, Jennifer Mathias, and Amanda Bennett, all of whom are also members.

Anyone who anticipates a certain outcome from a decision will be disappointed because the consequences will be known.

With legal action and players’ strikes still looming, it could be the start rather than the end.