Cllr Rob Stewart welcomed the conclusions of the Senedd’s Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee, saying they echo the deep concern felt across Wales.
It comes after the committee accused the WRU of a “dereliction of duty” over its controversial plans to cut the number of men’s regional teams from four to three.
In its scathing report, the committee warned that Welsh rugby is in a “perilous state” and that the WRU “does not have the consensus needed” to proceed with its plan. It also said it was “alarmed” to learn the WRU has no Plan B, and urged the Union not to “win the vote but lose the soul of Welsh rugby.”
Responding to the report, Cllr Stewart said:
“I have never seen such a damning report from a Senedd committee. Their views reflect what we have been saying and what supporters across Wales have been telling the WRU for some time.
“This is the wrong plan, it doesn’t have support of fans or players and it threatens the future of the game in Wales. We urge the WRU to listen to the people of Wales and find another option that people can support.
“This has to be a wake-up call for the WRU who cannot continue ignoring the views of rugby players, supporters and communities across Wales.”
Swansea Council has been embroiled in a bitter dispute with the WRU over the future of the Ospreys, and has recently launched formal legal action against the governing body in a bid to halt the proposed sale of Cardiff Rugby to Y11 Sport & Media, who also own the Ospreys.
The council argues the deal breaches UK competition law and has also asked the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate.
