Understand
Ministers have a role to play in WRU regions shake-up, says Reform MS Llyr Powell
Overview
Reform UK Member of the Senedd Llyr Powell has argued that the Welsh government should hold the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to account over its proposals to reduce the number of professional teams from four to three. While the Welsh government stated it has no direct role in the independent organisation's decision-making, it has challenged the WRU to ensure its decisions are transparent and fully consider the community impact. A final decision on the club closures is expected in June 2027.
Key points
- Reform MS Llyr Powell argued that the Welsh government should voice its opinion on the WRU's plans to cut professional teams from four to three.
- A Senedd motion calling for ministers to support four professional regions was narrowly defeated.
- The Welsh government stated that the WRU is an independent organisation and it has no direct role in its decision-making.
- Culture and sport minister Heledd Fychan stated she challenged the WRU to ensure its decisions are transparent, evidence-based, and consider community impacts.
- The WRU stated it has carried out its widest-ever consultation and published evidence outlining how it decided on the base locations for three professional men's sides.
- A final decision on which team will be cut is expected in June 2027 ahead of the 2028-29 season.