Dragons quit WRU meeting over ‘not viable’ pro plan

After leaving a meeting with the governing body, the Dragons claim that Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) plans for the professional game are “not viable or desirable.”

Chairman David Wright and CEO Rhys Blumberg abruptly departed from discussions with the WRU at Principality Stadium on November 6th.

Since then, Blumberg has spoken with the Union at Professional Rugby Board (PRB) meetings as the organization’s representative.

One of the current four professional men’s teams, Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, Scarlets, has been proposed by the WRU to be cut by 2027, and possibly by the start of the next season.

The union’s desire to take control of rugby matters and leave clubs with just the commercial responsibilities is causing the Dragons to worry that there will be one in the west, one in Cardiff, and one in the east.

The WRU announced plans to cut to three teams on October 24 after a consultation period on previous proposals to go down to as few as two.

The Dragons’ Association then spoke with the governing body about a “constructive and meaningful” engagement, according to the organization’s representatives.

Professional clubs would not have any influence over rugby decisions, including those regarding coaching, player selection, and player recruitment, according to the current WRU proposals, said a club statement.

This is not feasible or desirable for Dragons RFC, but we have consistently sought a constructive discussion about how to improve the Union’s plans.

It became clear and obvious shortly after the meeting that the WRU was not inclined to change their proposed governance structure. We subsequently abruptly adjourned the meeting.

The WRU was still insistent on controlling all rugby-related issues and demanding that they directly employ all players, coaches, and support staff.

The WRU’s central management of all rugby operations, which is a crucial and essential component of the club and business we purchased, is unacceptable, as are the club owners’ expectations of being fully accountable and accountable for all operations.

When David Buttress, Wright, and Hoyoung Huh, the then chairman, completed a takeover, Dragons were WRU-owned from 2017 until 2023.

The nine-acre Rodney Parade site, which is the only stadium in the east of Wales to host professional athletes of the highest caliber, was included in the deal.

Supporters are aware that their club must select their team from within. They won’t put their weight behind a team that is assembled anywhere but Rodney Parade, Wright asserted.

We will continue to push for a deal that honors the club, strengthens the game, and respects supporters.

The WRU must now pause, reevaluate, and reevaluate both its financial and governance proposals.

After failing to capitalize on late opportunities in home draws against Sharks and Ospreys, the Dragons were unable to win the first block of the United Rugby Championship (URC).

Since Filo Tiatia’s team last won in the Challenge Cup at Newcastle in December, they haven’t won in the URC since the first weekend of the season.

Five members of the current Wales squad will be available for the autumn internationals thanks to the Rodney Parade club.