The Dragons have become the first club to speak out against the WRU’s plans amid the current consultation process
General view inside Rodney Parade(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)
The Dragons have called upon the Welsh Rugby Union to ‘change course’ as they outlined their disappointment in the governing body’s plan to cut four professional teams down to two.
Last month, the WRU outlined their ‘optimal solution’ to improve Welsh rugby, with their preferred plan involving the number of men’s teams in Wales reduced from four to two. A consultation process over these plans began this week, with the WRU speaking to each of the four clubs.
The Dragons have confirmed that they have met with the WRU as they pulled apart the Union’s plans in a strong public statement.
As part of the statement, club chair David Wright questioned whether the plans make sense.
“We are extremely disappointed in the initial proposals – they simply don’t add up,” said Wright. “We will continue participating in the consultation and we want to find a solution.
“We are committed to securing a positive future for Welsh rugby and to elite rugby continuing in Gwent, but there is no way we can agree to the proposals as they currently are. Welsh rugby deserves better and the WRU must rethink.”
The Dragons added that no compelling argument has been put forward for reducing the number of teams from four to two. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
“Since the publication of the WRU’s proposal for the future of Welsh Rugby, Dragons RFC has carefully studied their proposed ‘optimal solution.,” began the statement, before it went on to outline the Rodney Parade club’s position.
“On Tuesday 2nd September we held a formal consultation meeting with the WRU and set out the club’s position on two key issues:
“1. No compelling case has been made for reducing the number of professional teams to two. We remain firm in our view that there is no reason the Dragons can’t continue in our current form. The financial and performance data provided by the WRU contained inconsistencies and are based on questionable assumptions.
“2. The governance structures outlined by the WRU are not acceptable. Rugby and commercial operations cannot be separated and the Dragons will not sign up to a model that gives us no control of on-field performance.
“The Dragons is a stable, sustainably-run club. Having signed the WRU’s Professional Rugby Agreement earlier this year, we have financial stability and a clear plan to drive improvements in on-field performance. Our confidence in our position has been reaffirmed by advice from our expert global-recognised legal consultants.”
Moving on to the next steps the club would take, the Dragons’ statement added: “We are committed to further discussions and will continue to participate in the ongoing consultation. But our position is clear: the WRU must change course.
“In the meantime, we have begun discussions with our stakeholders, including community clubs, fans, and partners, many of whom have also expressed their hope that the WRU will recognise that they need to rethink.”
The consultation process will continue throughout September, with the WRU Board then set to make a final decision in October.