The Welsh regions must come under WRU control, says legend Thorburn

FORMER Welsh rugby captain Paul Thorburn says all professional rugby teams in Wales should be placed under Welsh Rugby Union control, regardless of how many remain. He also called for an end to non-Welsh-qualified players playing in Wales, slamming World Rugby’s residency rule as bad for the game.

- SION BARRY

The WRU’s consultation on the future of the professional game concluded last week. The governing body’s preferred option involves reducing the existing four regions to just two. However, a final decision rests with the union’s board, with four possibilities still on the table - including retaining all four, but with two receiving enhanced funding.

‘The union’s current proposal suggests that whatever the outcome, it would assume greater rugby control, with the commercial aspect being left to private investors. This has sparked concern, which many view as an obstacle to private investment.

Addressing Cardiff Business Club, Thorburn, who earned 37 caps for Wales and served as tournament director for the 1999 Rugby World Cup, questioned the sustainability of the current situation, given the relatively low crowds across the four regions, although he noted that Cardiff (now under WRU control after being acquired out of administration) has been an exception for the last two seasons.

The former fullback, who previously worked for the WDA’s inward investment team and managed the commercial activities of the Ospreys, said: “The Ospreys have been averaging crowds of 5,000 for the last two seasons, but are paying players £110,000 across most of the squad. Even in France, they have done well but are starting to struggle. This is something that needs to be sorted.

“My personal view, in terms of what we need to do in Wales, is that we have to bring ownership of the four entities under the control of the WRU. That doesn’t mean I am happy with what the WRU has been doing - they need a serious shakeup and the right people in place.”