Shake-up for Wales rugby

THE Welsh Rugby Union has announced it intends to implement a radical restructuring of the professional game in Wales for the 2026/27 season, which could see the number of professional teams reduced.

- By STEFFAN THOMAS

A consultation process between the WRU, the four professional clubs - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets - and other key stakeholders will take place over August and September.

Key potential developments to be consulted on include:

■ whether there should be a reduction to three or two regional men’s teams, to ensure that we have teams that can compete at the top of the professional game

■ further investment in the SRC to strengthen the semiprofessional game in Wales.

■ a significant investment in player development and pathways