WRU Plans Three Professional Regions by 2028

The Welsh Rugby Union has announced plans to reduce men’s professional regions from four to three—one each for Cardiff, west Wales and east Wales—and to grant three licences by 2028 while keeping current sides active for now. The decision follows an extensive consultation that drew thousands of responses and came after the WRU considered four proposals, including an earlier preferred two-team option, before selecting the three-region model. The Scarlets and Ospreys are seen as most at risk, with the WRU expecting mergers where possible and a “fair and transparent” tender process if mergers cannot be agreed. The WRU said it will honour existing player contracts, equalise annual funding for the three men’s squads starting at £6.4m and rising to £7.8m, and invest about £40m over five years while provision is made for two elite women’s teams. The union warned changes are likely only by 2028 unless the United Rugby Championship approves an earlier replacement. Regional owners have reacted angrily—warning the proposals are already affecting investment and recruitment—with differing local positions: Cardiff is now WRU-owned, the Ospreys plan a new stadium, the Scarlets have new investors, and the Dragons insist on retaining elite rugby in Gwent.