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The Welsh Rugby Union board is split on what to do(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)<\/p>\nThe WRU’s deadline is moving closer but there is a difference of opinionThe Welsh Rugby Union board is split on what to do(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)<\/p>\n
A decision on the future of the professional game in Wales is expected by the end of this month but WalesOnline understands there is a stark difference of opinion on the Welsh Rugby Union board with regards the best way forward.<\/p>\n
In August the WRU’s director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin revealed the executive’s optimal solution was a reduction from four to two professional clubs with significant central control. After a month-long consultation period with key stakeholders, the findings were presented to the WRU board who are expected to make an announcement by the end of October.<\/p>\n
A Professional Rugby Board meeting was held on Wednesday but it seems Wales’ four professional clubs – Cardiff<\/a>, Dragons<\/a>, Ospreys<\/a> and Scarlets<\/a> – were not informed of the WRU’s intentions moving forward.<\/p>\n High level sources are adamant the WRU executive will now try to push for a three-team solution to be passed by the main board.<\/p>\n But WalesOnline has been told there is a split on the board between sticking with four, going to three or reducing to two teams.<\/p>\n The clock is ticking with the stated deadline less than two weeks away, while the WRU will not want the uncertainty to affect the players ahead of a very difficult November schedule where Steve Tandy’s side face Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.<\/p>\n If the WRU board does not agree on a best way forward amongst themselves, one potential way of resolving it would be to put it to vote.<\/p>\n The WRU board is 12-strong, which consists of CEO Abi Tierney (off sick), chair Richard Collier-Keywood, PRB chair Malcolm Wall, independent non-executive directors Jennifer Mathias, Andrew Williams, Alison Thorne, Jamie Roberts and Amanda Bennett, along with elected members Claire Donovan, John Manders, Chris Jones and Colin Wilks.<\/p>\n There appears to be two credible ways to go from four to three teams.<\/p>\n The first would be for the owners of one of the existing professional clubs to buy Cardiff, which would either lead to a merger or one team folding. Join WalesOnline Rugby’s WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free<\/a><\/p>\n But as exclusively reported by WalesOnline on Monday, a consortium with links to Hollywood is by far the most attractive of the potential buyers.<\/a><\/p>\n The second way would be for the WRU to appoint an independent panel and invite applications to be one of the three remaining teams based on certain criteria.<\/p>\n Ideally the WRU want to find a solution through consensus because going out to tender would be a long and drawn out process with the very real possibility of an expensive legal challenge from the slashed team.<\/p>\n Whatever route the WRU chooses, it\u2019s clear the road ahead will be anything but smooth. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.<\/a><\/p>\n With boardroom splits, frustrated clubs, and the threat of legal action looming, Welsh rugby is bracing for a storm.<\/p>\n * Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here<\/a> and our WhatsApp channel here<\/a> for all the breaking news.<\/p>\n You can also follow us on social media on our X account<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a> and TikTok.<\/a><\/p>\n For more exclusive stories and in-depth analysis, you can sign up for the Inside Welsh Rugby substack newsletter here.<\/a><\/p>\n