Unanimous board decision
The WRU Board confirmed today (24 October) that it had unanimously backed a new “whole‑system” approach to elite rugby, designed to concentrate talent, improve competitiveness and secure financial sustainability.
The move follows more than 7,000 responses to a public consultation and over 30 face‑to‑face meetings with stakeholders across Wales.
Richard Collier‑Keywood, WRU chair, said:
“We have heard loud and clear from the consultation that people want a long‑term fix and not a short‑term patch. Our decision is that the future structure of elite men’s rugby will be based on three professional men’s clubs, replacing the current four‑team model, alongside two women’s elite teams.”
Where the licences will go
The WRU proposes to grant three licences for men’s clubs — one in the capital, one in West Wales and one in East Wales. Each will receive equal funding, starting at £6.4m per squad and rising to £7.8m.
The union says it will work with the URC and existing clubs to manage the transition, but if no consensus is reached, a tendering process will be launched for the three licences. All existing player contracts will be honoured.
£40m investment across the game
Alongside the restructure, the WRU announced £40m of investment over five years, including:
- A men’s national academy with two regional training centres.
- 12 men’s Player Development Centres.
- A women’s national academy and three women’s Player Development Centres with nine satellite sites.
- Extra funding for Super Rygbi Cymru and Celtic Challenge teams.
- A new Talent and Insight Management Department to oversee recruitment and development.
Dave Reddin, WRU director of rugby and elite performance, said the new system was “built from the ground up to drive success” and would “restore the DNA of Welsh rugby”.
Women’s rugby boost
The WRU also confirmed significant investment in the women’s game, including two elite women’s teams and a new domestic league.
Amanda Bennett, chair of the Women’s Rugby Committee, said: “This is a transformative moment for women’s rugby in Wales. The WRU’s commitment to funding and infrastructure will help us attract and retain top talent and build a competitive domestic structure.”
What happens next
The WRU says it will now work with clubs and stakeholders to agree the path to the new three‑club model. If no agreement is reached, the tender process will decide which regions hold the licences.
Collier‑Keywood concluded:
“Many of these investments will benefit players coming through over the next few years. We want Wales to be an attractive place for them to play and for fans to see attractive rugby. Please support our teams as we rebuild the system together.”
