WRU to cut one Welsh team from 2028/29

The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed that one of Wales’ four men’s professional teams will be cut from the 2028/29 season under a major restructuring plan.

Welsh Rugby To Cut One Professional Team

The WRU has announced that Welsh professional rugby will move from four men’s teams to three from the 2028/29 campaign.

Under the proposed model, one team will be based in Cardiff, one in the east and one in the west. Cardiff and Dragons are therefore expected to continue under the capital and eastern licences respectively.

The decision means one of the two western teams, Scarlets or Ospreys, is set to lose its professional status.

Scarlets Or Ospreys Face Uncertain Future

The biggest uncertainty now surrounds the future of Scarlets and Ospreys. Scarlets are based in Llanelli, while Ospreys are based in Swansea, and only one western licence will be available under the WRU’s future structure.

The formal licensing framework and award process will begin in December 2026. The WRU has said the process will conclude by the end of the 2026/27 season at the latest.

That timeline means Welsh rugby faces a long and difficult period of decision-making before the new structure comes into force.

WRU Targets New Operating Model

Professional Rugby Board chair Marianne Okland said there was now a duty on everyone involved in the professional game in Wales to work together on a shared future operating model.

She said the coming months would be critical as Welsh rugby attempts to reshape its professional structure and address long-term sustainability.

"There is now a duty on all of us involved in the professional game in Wales to work together to determine a shared future operating model. How we progress over the forthcoming months will be critical."