WRU Plans Cut Welsh Pro Rugby Teams Four To Three By 2028

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has announced plans to reduce the number of professional men's rugby teams in Wales from four to three by the 2028 season as part of a comprehensive restructuring aimed at improving financial stability, player development, and national team performance. Following a six-week consultation with over 7,000 responses and 31 meetings, the WRU decided on a three-team model instead of the initially proposed two, with teams based in Cardiff, east Wales, and west Wales, each receiving equal funding starting at £6.4 million per year. WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood emphasized the need for a long-term solution rather than a short-term fix, while Director of Rugby Dave Reddin highlighted the new structure's focus on raising standards and restoring Welsh rugby's heritage. The WRU plans to honor all existing contracts and engage with current clubs and the United Rugby Championship (URC) to facilitate the transition, with a fair tendering process as a fallback if consensus is not reached. Additionally, the WRU announced a £40 million investment over five years to support Welsh rugby at all levels. This restructuring is considered the most significant change in Welsh rugby since regionalisation two decades ago and aims to ensure sustainability and enhanced competitiveness at the elite level.