All options remain on the table, says Tierney

WELSH Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney has offered an update on the consultation process as she admitted the governing body’s options were completely open as they consider halving the number of professional clubs.

- BEN JAMES Rugby Writer [e-mail]

The WRU are entering a formal consultation that could result in the number of regions being reduced from four to three or even two. A final decision is expected by October on that front.

After former Scotland defence coach Steve Tandy was appointed the new Wales head coach, Tierney explained how the consultation could play out while in Melbourne for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.

"So one of the options is to keep four but fund them differently," said Tierney (pictured). "Another option is to go to three or you could fund them differently again. You could have a three on equal funding or a two plus one.

"Another option is to go to two. From a performance level you can make that work. I think they've all got trade-offs."

As has often been the case in recent Welsh rugby history, mergers between clubs have been suggested as a possible option.