Overview
- The WRU confirmed this week that it will reduce the four men’s professional regions to three by 2028 and start a formal licence process in December 2026.
- Cardiff Rugby and Dragons RFC have been earmarked to receive licences under the new model while Scarlets and Ospreys must compete for a single west Wales licence or consider a merger.
- Scarlets published an open letter assuring supporters they will remain central to west Wales and have reinforced leadership and player recruitment as they prepare to contest the licence.
- Swansea Council has said it will resume legal action challenging the move and continues to support Ospreys’ St Helen’s redevelopment with a £5.2m investment tied to the club’s future in Swansea.
- The WRU says the change responds to fragile finances, the Professional Rugby Agreement guarantees stability to 2028, and the decision could reshape jobs, player pathways and local fan identities in west Wales.