The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has pushed back its planned announcement regarding the reduction of professional men’s teams. Originally intending to detail the transition from four sides to three by the end of June, the governing body now expects to share this information in the coming weeks. The delay stems from the organization’s focus on recruiting a successor for outgoing chair Richard Collier-Keywood, whose three-year tenure is concluding.
John Manders, a nationally elected member of the WRU who has led the Community Game Board since 2022, has been named temporary vice-chair. Manders confirmed that work continues on finalizing a strategy to ensure the sustainability of the professional game. He noted that specific details regarding the restructuring, which is slated for completion before the 2028 season, will be revealed shortly.
The WRU is currently working with Gatenby Sanderson, an executive search firm, to identify a new chair and two independent members for the Professional Rugby Board (PRB). The organization aims to have a new chair appointed before the annual general meeting scheduled for November. Meanwhile, the future of the current teams—Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, and Scarlets—remains a subject of intense scrutiny as the union seeks to award three new professional licences.
