WRU to cut Welsh pro teams to three by 2028

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is set to announce a major restructuring plan that will reduce the number of professional Welsh rugby regions from four to three by 2028.

Under the proposal, the four current regions – Cardiff Rugby, Dragons RFC, Ospreys and Scarlets – will continue until the end of the current United Rugby Championship cycle, but one is expected to be cut before the new cycle begins in 2028.

The new structure would likely see one side based in the east, one central, and one in the west of Wales.

The WRU previously outlined four options for the professional game, ranging from keeping four sides with revised funding, to cutting to three, or even two teams.

The two-team model was heavily criticised by players, fans and politicians, with Wales captain Jac Morgan warning he would leave domestic rugby if Ospreys were axed.

The plan is expected to provide short-term stability for all four regions until 2028, but it raises uncertainty over which side will be lost in the long run.

Organisers of the United Rugby Championship have also signalled a preference for retaining four Welsh teams until the end of the current agreement.