Drastic changes possible if Dragons, Ospreys & Scarlets fail to commit to new deal

THE Welsh Rugby Union has issued a stark ultimatum to the Dragons, Ospreys, and Scarlets: sign the new Professional Rugby Agreement by today or face the prospect of a two-year notice period being served on all teams that could threaten their very existence.

- STEFFAN THOMAS & BEN JAMES

The move represents a potentially seismic development that could plunge Welsh rugby into a period of huge uncertainty.

It follows a meeting between the WRU and three independent club teams on Tuesday.

The WRU's preference is to stick with four teams and get the new deal over the line but there’s a realisation the stalemate that has now gone on for months cannot continue.

Previously it was suggested Cardiff could be moved onto the new PRA with increased funding and a refinancing of the debt with the other three staying on the current deal which the WRU does not believe is fit for purpose.

But the nuclear option, which is now being considered, is calling in the two-year notice period on the current PRA which could hypothetically result in a redrawing of the professional rugby landscape in Wales.

The WRU hold the licenses for the Welsh clubs who compete in the United Rugby Championship and European competitions and has the power to revoke them in two years once a notice period is served, but there would be short-term financial consequences if it withdrew a club from these competitions.