One in the east, one in the capital, one in the west
The WRU Board has confirmed its new structure will see three professional men’s clubs: one in east Wales, one in Cardiff, and one in the west. That secures the Dragons’ future in Newport and guarantees a capital‑based side, but leaves the Scarlets and Ospreys in direct competition for the single West Wales licence.
Collier‑Keywood told reporters: “That’s not what we’re saying at all. There will only be one club in the west, but the clubs can apply. One of them may make a bid for Cardiff, or merge. We’d rather this be done by consent.”
‘Wales’ most successful region’ will continue to engage with WRU say Ospreys
The Ospreys, Wales’ most decorated region, issued a statement following meetings with the WRU:
“Ospreys Rugby met with Malcolm Wall and Dave Reddin from the WRU this morning, where they laid out their plans for Welsh rugby.
Ospreys are Wales’ most successful region, having won more league titles, produced players who’ve won more Welsh caps and been selected for more British and Irish Lions tours than any other region.
We will continue to engage with the WRU with the intention of reaching an agreement which continues that proud tradition. Our intention is and always has been to find a solution which works in the best interests of Welsh rugby and Ospreys Rugby, not only at an elite level but across the entirety of the game and the communities involved in it.”
Scarlets confident of future role in West Wales
The Scarlets Board of Directors said they are confident the club will continue to play a central role in the future of the game in West Wales from its home at Parc y Scarlets.
In a detailed statement, the board called on supporters and stakeholders to embrace the long‑term opportunity of Scarlets “championing the future of sustainable and successful pro rugby based in West Wales.”
The club highlighted its record of two league titles, 12 European quarter‑finals and five European semi‑finals, its role in producing 34% of Wales internationals over the last decade, and its deep cultural and economic impact — adding £17m annually to the local economy and engaging more than 40,000 young people each year through its community foundation.
Scarlets also stressed the unique facilities at Parc y Scarlets, describing it as a “ready‑made high‑performance and commercial hub” for the professional and community game.
The board concluded: “Rugby must stay connected to its communities, people and history and its values. That’s what gives our game its soul. We want reform that strengthens Welsh rugby. With Scarlets in the future structure, Welsh rugby keeps a proven talent pathway, an internationally respected brand and a first‑class home for rugby at Parc y Scarlets.”
Cardiff reassured, Dragons secure
Cardiff Rugby said it was “relieved and encouraged” after being assured one of the three licences will be in the capital. The Dragons are also seen as secure under the east allocation.
What happens next
The WRU has pledged to honour existing Professional Rugby Agreement contracts — with the Scarlets and Ospreys tied in until 2027, and Cardiff and Dragons until 2028. But Collier‑Keywood has made clear he wants the new model in place “as quickly as possible”.
For now, the Scarlets and Ospreys — the two clubs that have defined West Wales rugby for two decades — are locked in a battle for survival, whether through merger, relocation or the loss of one side altogether.
