Welsh rugby gears up for huge month in its history

THE Welsh Rugby Union began a formal consultation process yesterday as it seeks to put in place a radical new structure for the professional game in time for the 2027/28 season at the latest.

- STEFFAN THOMAS

It is no exaggeration to say the future of Welsh rugby will be determined over the next few weeks. Get this wrong and Welsh rugby may never recover from the damage done as it seeks to drag itself out of the doldrums.

The consultation process throughout September with a final decision expected on the new structure in October.

Welsh rugby is at its lowest ebb since the game turned professional with the men's side receiving back-to-back wooden spoons and have only just snapped a record 18-Test losing streak.

On top of this the women's national side is in a mess and the four professional men's clubs are struggling to compete.

The game in Wales needs radical change and investment if it is to get back on track.

Here are all the key questions ahead of day one of the consultation.

Who is involved?

The WRU's new director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin will lead the consultation process, while board members will also be present in meetings.

Reddin will consult with a number of key stakeholders.

These include the four professional clubs Cardiff, Dragons RFC, Ospreys and Scarlets along with the Welsh Rugby Players' Association (WRPA), the Professional Rugby Board (PRB), players, official supporter groups, the community clubs and representatives from the United Rugby Championship.

There will also be an online survey allowing fans to share their views directly with the WRU.

Timeline

The consultation process runs until Friday, September 26.

Following the consultation a report recommending the best way forward will be sent to the WRU board in mid-October.

There will then be a final decision on the new strategy for the professional game by the end of October.

But should the WRU decide to reduce the number of professional teams there is a strong chance things could rumble on beyond October.