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WRU two-team plan splits fans, sparks anger but 'change must happen'

The WRU's plan to cut the number of professional teams in Wales from four to two has been met with a mixed reaction from fans

[Welsh rugby is set to cut to either three or two teams going forward]

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Welsh rugby is set to cut to either three or two teams going forward(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)

Wales Online readers have been voicing their opinions on the Welsh Rugby Union's (WRU) proposal to reduce the professional game to two teams. Some believe that fewer, stronger teams are the only sustainable option; others caution against potential long-term harm to identity, crowds and pathways.

The WRU has now formally unveiled its favoured plan to decrease the number of professional teams in Wales from four to two, taking significant control of the remaining sides in the process.

Dave Reddin, WRU director of rugby and elite performance, is the main architect of what the WRU sees as the best structure for Welsh rugby. This includes a reduction to two teams, marking a major shift in the Welsh rugby landscape.

The WRU has committed to honouring all existing player contracts for Welsh-qualified players until 20 May 2025.

Each club will consist of a men's team and a women's team. Additionally, as exclusively revealed by WalesOnline last month, a new centre of excellence is being planned.

One reader, Ambivalentwelshman writes: "I understand the argument for wanting 4 teams and/or by limiting to 2 teams, as people are concerned it will reduce player pool size. However, we must accept that in Wales (currently), we simply do not have the quantity or quality of players at professional level or below to sustain as is (coupled with poor player budgets for each team). By reducing the numbers you increase competition for places, which in turn will increase standards. Simples. The knock on effect will be that those players that can't make the top will drop down into the lower leagues and that increases the standard in those respective leagues and so on."

While Daimachno feels: "This proposal diminishes Welsh rugby. In the amateur era we had Newport, Cardiff, Swansea and Llanelli developing world class stars and beating international teams. I know this is a different era but reducing the pool is not going to improve things. The only thing we know for certain is that Cardiff, who are bankrupt and 9 million in debt will continue. As a Newport boy now living in Swansea and an Osprey season ticket holder, who also sees the Dragons when possible, will I go and support Cardiff when Dragons and Ospreys are gone? What do you think? This will decimate Welsh rugby and destroy its supporters. We are not Italy or Scotland. We are Wales and can and should support more than 2 teams."

PembsScarlet says: "The simple fact is that we now have to get together and support what is decided. The previous regimes have put us in this position, and we are now having some forward thinking. There are regional players that are stealing a living and they should be in the SRC. The 25 cap rule should also go to ensure we have the opportunity for our boys to play wherever. Id be very happy that Bath, Bristol etc. Continue to develop our players. Build two strong teams and this will help Wales, and will ensure young players are inspired to play for Wales."

Geronimo46 comments: "I would fight tooth and nail to keep four teams, but if it's genuinely impossible for this to work, the East and West teams have to finally be real regions and ground share from one home game to the next. On top of this Reddin has to be fully committed to the positive part of this plan, and create a state of the art player pathway and boost SRC so it's standard is raised to be a breeding ground for talent to take the step up. If this can be achieved, along with some victories for East and West, maybe younger fans will engage. As for a good deal of the older, like most of those on here, I'm guessing it may be the end of the road."

Aberflyarf is all for it: "This decision might just save Welsh rugby, and it should have been made 23 years ago. Unfortunately, at that stage, the WRU were weak and sold out to a few affluent clubs who only had self interest in mind. This is a clear and appropriate path for future proofing the professional game in Wales. I'm sure the WRU is hoping that the existing clubs will merge. I hope they fight this decision so that two newly formed entities take the reins, with no affiliation to current clubs. This will also be a boost the the club game in Wales with greater emphasis given to the SRC league."

BusterBloodvessel adds: "Disappointing its not 3 brand new franchises aligned with historical Welsh Counties so as to generate fan interest. But either way the 25 cap rule has to go with this direction of travel to allow us to select Welsh players who will play outside of Wales. There will still be bigger money offers for our top talent and they will get top level coaching and competitions in England and France etc. We need to embrace that and not shoot ourselves in the foot. Like the Aussies who scrapped Giteaus law. We need to do the same."

Wales to win believes: "Our game is in deep, deep trouble isn't it? Those of us who do not support Cardiff may not like the way their supporters are on here, knowing they are bomb proof from any chop, gloat, but the majority will concede we need a team based in the capital. For the rest of us there will be pain. Dragons are gone, without doubt. Then we have the West dilemma. Whatever happens to promote inclusively, the team will be renamed. I just do not see any interest from fans that will be disadvantaged by losing their 'home' side. We live in a small principality but our already disillusioned fans will become less engaged. Most of us are old enough to know rivalries make us tick. What we have done is hand over our decision-making in relation to the survival of our game to people who at the highest level do not understand the game. They are not Welsh. They do not know the first thing about us. Like I said we are in deep deep trouble. How on earth did we get to this position?"

Llywelyn comments: "I think this is the only way it will work . Even at 7.8m we are hardly going to be flush. A development team on top would be nice to have - maybe a pan-Wales team that plays across various stadia, if its affordable - which it probably isn't. We have to scrap the 25 cap rule as well, and accept that part of player development needs to be done elsewhere.

"The only viable locations are Cardiff and Swansea being our largest cities . Anywhere else would be stupid . The new entities need to divorce themselves from the existing regions, and be a completely WRU-owned set up. If it's done any other way then it will see lots of toys and prams! The idea of retaining 2 would create such enmity that it would hold us back."

Rjanders says: "That's excellent news. Sense prevails after 25 years. With Cardiff in their situation that takes them out of the running for the east Wales team. Hopefully their dinosaur board will allow the east team to play at CAP. Stronger SRC with Merthyr and ponty in there to up the numbers."

BlueBuoy agrees: "Absolute right move, two regions - one in Swansea and one in Cardiff. But this must be underpinned by a well funded Premiership with caveats attached so youngsters are given a chance over old-headed journeymen, anyone not in the squads and any academy players must play in the Premiership if not picked, its no good having youngsters sat on the backside every weekend, they must be playing on a regular basis."

RhysRees says: "The model isn't working and hasn't been for ages. 34 paid overseas players in the 4 squads draining the cash and offering nothing to the national team. Crowds were low and getting lower, even for Welsh derbies. Change has to happen. I'm backing it. Let's be positive. I hope too, it's East and West. Fresh start."

Jackieboy writes: "At last a difficult decision which had to be taken. The population of Wales cannot justify 4 top class regional sides .Unless we go back to those wonderful days of a number of first class clubs such as Pontypool providing a core of talented players worthy of international selection on a regular basis this very tough decision was needed."

Are you for the new plans of two professional teams here in Wales, rather than the current four? Comment below or HERE to have your say.

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