The clock is ticking on the Welsh Rugby Union's (WRU) plan to reduce the number of professional men's rugby teams in Wales – but not quite yet. The governing body has put the brakes on unveiling its detailed strategy, which would see four current pro sides trimmed down to three by 2028. The revised deadline now hovers somewhere in the 'coming weeks', as the WRU shifts focus towards securing a new chair to replace Richard Collier-Keywood after his three-year tenure comes to an end.
The roadmap for change was initially outlined back in April, following the collapse of a deal that would have seen Ospreys' owners snap up Cardiff Rugby from the WRU. The four existing teams – Scarlets, Ospreys, Dragons, and WRU-owned Cardiff – are still waiting with bated breath for clarity on how this restructuring will be implemented. With licences held by the WRU, these teams compete in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European competitions.
John Manders, temporarily taking the reins as vice-chair, stressed that the board and executive team remain committed to finalising their plans for the men's professional game. "While this process is ongoing," he said, "we continue to work tirelessly on safeguarding the future of all Welsh rugby." Further details on how and when these changes will be implemented – ahead of 2028 – are promised in the near future.
The search for a new chair is well underway, with external consultants Gatenby Sanderson assisting. The recruitment process should conclude over the summer, with the successful candidate installed before the WRU's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in November. Back in October 2025, the WRU floated a proposal to axe one team and grant three new licences: one for Cardiff, one in the east, and one in the west. Speculation suggests Ospreys and Scarlets are the two sides most at risk as they fight it out for that coveted 'west' licence.
Should an internal agreement between the WRU and the four pro clubs not be reached, a tender process might be triggered to determine which entities will be granted those new licences. Gatenby Sanderson will also play a role in recruiting two independent members for the Professional Rugby Board (PRB), with one of these newcomers set to become chair of the PRB and take up a seat on the main WRU Board.
The implications of this restructuring are seismic for Welsh rugby, potentially rewriting the landscape of the professional game for years to come. While the decision-making process has hit a snag, the WRU's focus remains firmly fixed on securing a sustainable future for its pro teams.