WRU decides to go with three regions in future

THE Welsh Rugby Union has announced the number of professional men's sides in Wales will be reduced from four to three - although the changes will not be implemented immediately.

- JIM VAN WIJK

In August, the governing body had produced a radical plan to turn around the game at both club and international level, outlining its ambitions in a 90-page consultation document entitled 'The Future of Elite Rugby in Wales'.

Included as part of those proposals had been looking at the option of cutting the number of men's professional sides - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets - down to just two.

A six-week consultation period and engagement programme followed, which produced more than 7,000 public responses, while 31 face-to-face meetings took place throughout September with key stakeholders across the game.