WRU says jobs to go as strategy revealed to transform game

THE Welsh Rugby Union has announced there are set to be job losses following the launch of the five-year 'One Wales' strategy it says will transform the game.

- By BEN JAMES

The WRU hope the restructuring will save £5million per year and ensure support for the new strategy - which was initially promised last year - in a “manner befitting of a £100m-a-year business”.

Part of the transformation concerns better business - with the WRU set to discontinue part of the existing ‘Hub Officer’ programme - while they have also promised changes for the professional and grass-roots game.

The current ‘Hub Officer’ programme sees individuals who are part-funded by the WRU and educational establishments deliver rugby activities to young people across Wales.

The current programme will be restructured to increase coverage, with current funding discontinued in key areas. It will be up to schools to decide how they reallocate the investment into rugby.

The new Professional Rugby Agreement with the four pro teams has been agreed in principle but is yet to be ratified at board level.

WRU CEO Abi Tierney says she is confident it will be signed off soon despite this week’s collapse of Cardiff Rugby that has seen the union step in to take control.

In a statement, the WRU claim that the changes will put the governing body into a sustainable financial position - with £5m in annual savings and efficiencies said to have been identified.

However, as part of the discontinuation of the programme, it does mean that a small number of roles, said to be fewer than 20, are at risk of redundancy.

The WRU will enter a period of consultation with staff impacted.