Two regions under threat as WRU consider radical changes to failing structure

The WRU, Welsh rugby’s governing body, has confirmed it is looking to possibly half the number of regional teams from four to two, due to a lack of on-field success and financial pressure.

A two-month period of consultation will take place with the Professional Rugby Board and other key stakeholders in August and September, with a decision about the best way forward to be made public in October.

Until then, the futures of players and staff at the four regional teams – Cardiff, Newport RFC, Ospreys and Scarlets – hang in the balance, although any changes will not take effect until the 2027/28 season.

Back in May, the WRU Board publicly confirmed it does not see the system continuing with the current model of four equally funded regional clubs in the senior men’s game after Ospreys and Scarlets failed to sign their new Professional Rugby Agreement.

The Union said in a statement: “The current rugby system in Wales, which includes national teams, professional clubs, community clubs, academies, universities and schools isn’t delivering consistent success on the field and isn’t currently financially sustainable given the likely investment required, even with the recent actions taken to increase financial resources.

“Based on its extensive work over the past 18 months, including ongoing consultation with the four professional men’s clubs, the WRU is therefore considering a more radical strategy focused on maximising investment and reforming the whole structure of professional rugby in Wales (amongst other options).

“The changes would be aimed at boosting Welsh rugby as a whole: the academies, the Super Rygbi Cymru (SRC) and Celtic Challenge competitions (men’s and women’s semi-pro game), professional clubs and the national teams for both men and women.”

Wales have been in a rut at international level for some time, with the men’s national team having suffered 18 consecutive Test defeats before beating Japan on Saturday to square the two-match series in the Far East.

After the first Test defeat, Wales sank to a new low of 14th in the world rankings. They are now back up to 12th.

The women’s team have also finished bottom of the last two Six Nations Championships, losing all five matches for the first time in the 2025 edition.

“The consultation will cover the entire high-performance framework from pathways to professional club structure and the senior men’s and women’s game,” the WRU added.