WRU officially confirm they will axe either Ospreys or Scarlets

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has officially confirmed that Welsh rugby will move to a three-team professional model from the start of the 2028/29 season, with either the Ospreys or Scarlets set to effectively be axed.

The WRU announced its future operating model on Wednesday, outlining plans for one professional team in the capital, one in east Wales and one in west Wales.

The governing body has already indicated that Cardiff Rugby and Dragons RFC are in line for two of those licences, leaving the Ospreys and Scarlets effectively competing for a single place in west Wales.

Announcing the decision, WRU vice-chair John Manders said: “We have affirmed that the future operating model will involve three professional teams from start of the 2028/29 season and now have a firm timeline for our next steps.

“We have already begun to put the support structures in place to develop the related player pathways, to create the best environments for our senior players, to provide the right financial support and to develop the facilities around them.

“We are making important progress which will safeguard the future of our game, concentrate resources and give our teams the best chance of achieving success at all levels.”

The WRU Board said it had examined “a range of factors” before determining the future licence areas and confirmed only the existing professional clubs would be eligible to apply.

As a result, Cardiff Rugby and Dragons RFC are effectively guaranteed the opportunity to secure the capital and east Wales licences.

A statement from the union said: “The WRU Board has examined in detail a range of factors when determining the three future licence areas and has confirmed that only incumbent teams will be considered eligible for a licence.

“This means contingent on the agreement of the final licensing terms, Dragons RFC and Cardiff Rugby would be offered the respective east and capital licences.”

The process to determine the final licence framework will begin in December 2026 and is scheduled to conclude no later than the end of the 2026/27 season.

The WRU said recent agreement on the Professional Rugby Agreement 2025 had secured short-term stability for all four regions while the long-term structure is finalised.

According to the governing body: “This period of stability will now be used to determine the funding model and licence framework required to deliver a sustainable and successful professional game, with the incumbent professional clubs playing an integral part in creating that framework.”

The next stage of the process will see the WRU bring together regional leaders and key stakeholders following the autumn Nations Championship fixtures.

The governing body said the objective would be to “create a shared understanding of the financial and strategic realities facing the game”, “shape the licensing terms of the future operating model” and “determine the interest of each existing professional club in taking up the new 2028 licence agreements”.
Professional Rugby Board chair Marianne Økland acknowledged uncertainty remains, particularly for the two west Wales rivals.

“There is now a duty on all of us involved in the professional game in Wales to work together to determine a shared future operating model,” she said.

“How we progress over the forthcoming months will be critical. The aim is to finalise the new licensing model as quickly as possible and then move quickly to confirm future licence arrangements and transition plans.

“This will allow an orderly implementation and avoid prolonged uncertainty for clubs, players, supporters, investors and sponsors.

“Assuming that Cardiff Rugby and Dragons RFC want to sign up to the proposed licensing terms, there is now certainty that they will be offered the capital and east licences respectively.

“We understand that there will be ongoing uncertainty until a final decision on the west licence is made.
“That is why we are committed to progressing in a collaborative way, whilst not underestimating the considerable challenges ahead, and providing stability for all at the earliest opportunity.”