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Dave Reddin answers the burning questions about

Western Mail

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October 08, 2025

Welsh rugby's proposed plans for future of game

- STEFFAN THOMAS

THIS month is arguably the most important in Welsh rugby for years with the future of the professional game set to be decided.

There are a series of Welsh Rugby Union board meetings over the course of this month with a final decision on the new structure expected by early November at the latest.

Dave Reddin, the WRU's director of rugby and elite performance, is a central figure in putting together the new structure.

Having already outlined his optimal structure is a reduction from four to two professional clubs with significant central control, Reddin led the WRU's consultation process last month.

Reddin was the latest guest on WalesOnline's Welsh Rugby Podcast where we got his views on all the key topics.

NATIONAL CAMPUS

IN Reddin's optimal system the two professional men's clubs, which will also have two women's teams, will all train in a new national campus.

This has been met with a frosty reception.

Many fans view having two teams owned by the WRU training at the same base as anti-competitive.

"If we are not at two clubs it's much more difficult because logistically you are talking about something that's enormously bigger than it would be under those circumstances and more difficult to manage," said Reddin.

"In terms of a concept that can deliver outperformance beyond our inherent resources, yes, I do believe that is something that can be really, really powerful.

"From my perspective the challenge that no one else in rugby is doing is exactly the reason we should be doing it and not the reason we shouldn't be doing it.

"The geography and proximity in Wales makes that more possible than almost everywhere else.

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