Welsh Rugby Faces Widespread Opposition to proposed Two-Club Model
Cardiff, Wales - A controversial plan to restructure Welsh professional rugby with a two-club model is facing mounting opposition from players, clubs, supporters, and former administrators, throwing the future of the sport in Wales into uncertainty. While the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) maintains no final decisions have been made and pledges to consider feedback,the proposals have ignited a firestorm of criticism.
The core of the dispute centers on the WRU’s consideration of reducing the number of professional teams from four – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, and Scarlets – to just two.The WRPA, representing Welsh players, has unequivocally stated its disapproval. “The collective view of the players is clear: the proposed two-club model does not have their support,” said WRPA chief executive Gareth Lewis. Players fear the plan would diminish professional opportunities, especially for emerging talent, and ultimately weaken the national team’s player pool. Lewis further explained players believe the changes would alienate fans, erode historic rivalries, and hinder overall advancement within Welsh rugby.
The Dragons have been the most outspoken club in opposition, asserting that “Welsh rugby deserves better,” and claiming no convincing rationale has been presented for reducing the regional teams. Dragons chairman David Wright stated, “We are extremely disappointed in the initial proposals – they simply don’t add up. There is no way we can agree to the proposals as they currently are. Welsh rugby deserves better and the WRU must rethink.”
concerns extend beyond the professional ranks. Supporters of both the Dragons and Scarlets staged a joint protest at a recent pre-season pleasant, and scarlets fans are planning further demonstrations before their opening league match on Saturday. Llanelli and newport councillors have also voiced their criticism.
Adding to the pressure, prominent figures like former WRU chiefs Gareth Davies and David Moffett have publicly opposed the two-club model. Ospreys and Wales captain Jac Morgan has even indicated he would consider playing club rugby outside of Wales if his current team were eliminated. The WRPA has warned the proposals could “drive talent to leave Wales.”
Despite the widespread backlash, the WRU insists it remains open to shaping the plans through discussions with professional clubs, players, and supporters. the future direction of Welsh rugby, though, remains deeply uncertain as stakeholders grapple with the proposed seismic shift.
