Welsh legend Glenn Webbe blasts 'sheep-like' behaviour in call for super regions

As the professional game in Wales mulls over the best way forward following the WRU’s proposal to cut two regions, ex-Wales winger Glenn Webbe has published a 753-word post on X detailing what he sees as the best solution to the mess.

Cardiff-born Webbe, who won 10 caps for Wales, says that the existing regions should be kept – but with two ‘super regions’ above them representing the country at the highest level of the club game.

He said: “I want to elaborate on my proposal for restructuring Welsh rugby. Specifically, I believe that forming two new, overarching regional bodies is crucial to bridging the significant gap between the current state of our regional game and the demands of international competition. The existing structure of four regions, while well-intentioned, has created a ‘Gulf’ that is too wide to overcome with the current system.

“The need for this change is highlighted by the situation in Welsh rugby, where the regions’ failure to honour previous agreements demonstrates a lack of unified vision and commitment.

“I’ve often stated that the Welsh rugby community tends to act like sheep. I like to say it, as the reactions I receive only reinforce this observation. “Sheep won’t follow a shepherd – sheep follow other sheep”

“Unlike a flock following a shepherd, the community often follows the crowd, lacking independent direction. While individuals like Abi Tierney are doing a tremendous job as leaders (‘shepherds’), the regions often behave as followers (‘sheep’), hesitant to deviate from the established path.

“It’s rare to see a Welsh rugby leader openly acknowledge the problems within Welsh rugby, apologise, and take ownership of the issues.

“Abi Tierney’s willingness to do so is commendable. However, as she pointed out, Welsh rugby is not solely the responsibility of the WRU (Welsh Rugby Union). It encompasses the regions, the press, the supporters, and the Welsh public – we all have a stake in its success and a responsibility to address its challenges.

“This ‘sheep-like’ behaviour was evident when Cardiff Rugby faced collapse. The WRU responded swiftly to the announcement made on Tuesday, ensuring that no player lost their contract and no staff member lost their job. They even managed to fulfil the Saturday fixture (against Ospreys in April) without disruption. This rescue by the WRU saved Cardiff and, in effect, safeguarded the regional structure.

“However, instead of gratitude, the regions reportedly expressed resentment, stating that they would not sign the regional agreement because Cardiff had received more backing. This perceived unfairness suggests that the governing body is being manipulated, not by a wise leader, but by the ‘sheep’s dog’s tail’ – a force driven by petty grievances and self-interest.

My Ten Pence Worth pic.twitter.com/VwKv902wOa

— Glenn Webbe (@glennwebbe) September 10, 2025

“This brings me to the core of my proposal: the formation of two new, elite regional bodies, which I’ll call ‘Wales A’ and ‘Wales B,’ operating above the existing four regions. These super-regions would each consist of a 30-player squad, all centrally contracted to the WRU.”

Webbe then details how the limited pot of funds available to the WRU would be best distributed, while also tackling issues such as player availability.

As a ‘back of a fag packet’ exercise goes, he makes some valid points.

“Currently, each of the four existing regions receives £4.5 million in funding. A previous proposal offered £7.5 million per region, but this agreement was never finalised. This decision by the regions *saved* the WRU a total of £12 million (£3 million per region). Under my proposal, the current funding of £4.5 million would remain in place. The WRU would then allocate this £12 million saving to fund the new super-regions, ‘Wales A’ and ‘Wales B.

“To be clear, the players for ‘Wales A’ and ‘Wales B’ would be mostly populated from the existing regional squads. The WRU would *subcontract* these players back to their original regions when they are not required for super-region duties. This ensures that the existing regions retain their talent pool and benefit from the players’ enhanced skills and experience, while also relieving the regions of the salary burden for these marquee players.”

Webbe, overlooking the fact that only Scarlets are in the Champions Cup, which is a 24-team competition, not 18, goes on to add: “These new super-regions, ‘Wales A’ and ‘Wales B,’ could then participate in the European Champions Cup, replacing the existing regions. This would require a minor format adjustment, reducing the number of teams from 18 to 16 and creating four groups of four.

“Within each group, all teams would play each other on a *home and away basis*. The top two teams from each group would then advance to a quarterfinal and semi-final stage, then final, resulting in a maximum of nine games per season.

“Playing home games at the Principality Stadium would create a ‘mini-international’ atmosphere for every match, significantly raising the standards and profile of Welsh regional rugby.

“In addition to the European Champions Cup, these players, Wales A & B players, would also participate in 8 or 9 international matches per year and 10-12 subcontracted regional matches.

“This comprehensive schedule would benefit everyone involved. Welsh A & B regional rugby players would gain access to elite training facilities, a specialised diet, and coaching. They would then elevate the skills of other players in their regional squads when they return, while the WRU would maintain control over their game time.

“This structure allows the regions to thrive, either as active participants or as engaged spectators of high-quality rugby. The super-regions would showcase a higher standard of play, while still preserving existing regional allegiances. Ultimately, this ‘win-win’ structure would help Welsh rugby regain its former glory – I think!!!”