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WRU confirms plans to reduce professional teams to three

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 19, 2026, 7:49 AM

Last updated Sep 19, 2026

WRU confirms plans to reduce professional teams to three

Summary

The Welsh Rugby Union's director of rugby Dave Reddin reaffirmed the governing body's commitment to its contentious plan to reduce the number of professional men's teams from four to three by 2028. The WRU has faced backlash over this decision, as Ospreys and Scarlets will compete for the remaining spot in west Wales. Reddin cited "brutal economics" as the driving force behind the necessity for change, stating that subsidies for the current four teams are unsustainable. The WRU plans to initiate discussions with stakeholders in December to finalize this decision before the conclusion of the 2026-27 season.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•WRU plans to cut professional teams to three by 2028.
•Ospreys and Scarlets will compete for the final west Wales spot.
•Discussions with stakeholders set for December 2026.
•Reddin emphasizes necessity due to financial constraints.

Latest Updates

7:49 AMYahoo Sports — WRU sticking to three-team plan - Reddin

What they're saying

"
Director of rugby Dave Reddin says the Welsh Rugby Union have to stick with their controversial three-team plan due to the "brutal economics".
— Yahoo Sports

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