SRC has to close gap to pro game regardless of what structure is - WRU

THE Welsh Rugby Union insisted they will strive to close the gap from Super Rygbi Cymru (SRC) to the elite level, regardless of what happens with the radical proposals to cut two professional sides.

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SRC is the top level of Wales-only competition, featuring 10 semiprofessional club sides and was previously known as the Welsh Premiership.

The governing body officially starts a six-week consultation process on Monday after unveiling its plan to turn around the fortunes of the game.

The WRU’s ‘optimal system’ would see the number of men’s professional sides competing in Europe and the United Rugby Championship (URC) halved from the current four - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, Scarlets - to two.

Its document stated that such a scenario “would release significant investment” in the SRC, although it provides no detail on that statement.

The salary cap for playing staff in SRC, which gets under way on September 12, has gone up to £160,000 after being £150,000 last season.