Dragons Set Fire To WRU Plans Which Already Look Doomed

The Dragons launched a blistering attack on the Union’s controversial blueprint to cut the number of professional men’s sides from four to two, warning the proposals “simply don’t add up” and insisting the governing body must “change course.”

Given that the Dragons - along with Union-owned Cardiff - signed a new Professional Rugby Agreement with the WRU in May, it makes the prospect of the new structure ever happening look remote.

The Ospreys and the Scarlets are known to already oppose the plans as they stand, leaving the WRU at risk of trying to force through proposals that have no support.

The Dragons issued a strongly worded statement after meeting with WRU officials earlier this week to discuss the so-called “optimal solution” – a model which would see just two professional teams remain, alongside the creation of a national training centre, two new women’s sides, and expanded budgets for the surviving men’s outfits.

“Our position is clear. The WRU must change course,” the Dragons declared. 

“No compelling case has been made for reducing the number of professional teams to two. We remain firm in our view there is no reason the Dragons can’t continue in our current form.”

Chairman David Wright was even more forthright, voicing the frustration of the Rodney Parade club’s leadership and questioning the financial evidence underpinning the WRU’s proposals.

“We are extremely disappointed in the initial proposals – they simply don’t add up,” Wright said. 

“We will continue participating in the consultation and want to find a solution. We are committed to securing a positive future for Welsh rugby and to elite rugby continuing in Gwent, but there is no way we can agree to the proposals as they currently are. 

“Welsh rugby deserves better and the WRU must rethink.”

The Dragons’ statement also raised serious concerns about the governance model being proposed, under which the WRU would take full control of rugby operations, leaving private investors with only commercial responsibilities.

“The financial and performance data provided by the WRU contained inconsistencies and are based on questionable assumptions,” the Dragons said. 
“The governance structures outlined by the WRU are not acceptable. Rugby and commercial operations cannot be separated and the Dragons will not sign up to a model that gives us no control of on-field performance.”

The club, who returned to private ownership in 2023 after six years under WRU control, emphasised that they are financially stable and operating under a Professional Rugby Agreement signed as recently as May. 

They maintain they have a “clear plan to drive improvements in on-field performance” and are now taking legal advice as part of their resistance to the WRU’s preferred option.

The governing body insists no final decisions have been made and stresses the ongoing consultation – which runs until 26 September – will allow all stakeholders, from clubs to players and fans, to contribute to shaping the future of the game. 

A report will go before the WRU board in mid-October, with a final outcome expected by the end of that month.