WRU has 'lost argument' over plans - Senedd chair

admin_news admin_news
Mar 3, 2026 - 17:30
0 0
WRU has 'lost argument' over plans - Senedd chair
Abi Tierney and Richard Collier-Keywood sat at desk
Abi Tierney and Richard Collier-Keywood have been strongly criticised over the WRU plans [Huw Evans Picture Agency]

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has "lost the argument" over the future of the professional game, says a group of politicians.

Delyth Jewell MS has written to WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood after he appeared before the Welsh Government's sport and culture committee last week.

Committee chair Jewell admitted Welsh rugby is in a "perilous state" but urged the governing body to find an alternative approach or risk "losing the soul" of Welsh rugby.

"No programme of change can be achieved without building a consensus for change," she wrote.

"It is clear that the Union does not have the consensus needed to move forward with the proposal to reduce the number of regional sides from four to three."

An Extraordinary General Meeting of the WRU has been called by member clubs amid uncertainty over the plans that will impact Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets.

The governing body intends to have one club in the east, one in Cardiff and one in the west, sparking turmoil, protests and legal action.

WRU chief executive Abi Tierney has admitted she "does not feel safe" in her job due to social media abuse and Jewell said the committee recognised WRU bosses had faced heavy criticism that was "unduly harsh".

But the Plaid Cymru MS added: "The WRU must recognise that it has lost the argument over the future of the professional game.

"We were alarmed to hear you [Collier-Keywood] tell us that you have no plan B should your current proposals not progress as planned.

"Were this the case, it could represent a significant dereliction of duty. We urge you to find an alternative approach that continues to stabilise the finances of the Union and maintains confidence, whilst rebuilding trust with clubs and supporters."

Last week Collier-Keywood admitted the governing body had struggled to bring the professional sides on board with their plans.

The WRU chair, who appeared along with director of the community game Geraint John and senior independent director Alison Thorne, maintained that financial struggles meant that a three-team model was the only way forward for the game.

"The people of Wales feel a deep sense of ownership, pride and emotional connection to the game. That connection must be respected and nurtured," wrote Jewell.

"The Union must not find itself in the position of winning the vote but losing the soul of Welsh rugby."

Read More