Major changes to Welsh rugby as WRU proposes cutting number of regions
The restructure would be carried out in time for the 2027/28 season.
The consultation with the sides - Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff Rugby and Dragons - will take place over August and September along with the involvement of other stakeholders.
The WRU says it "does not see the system continuing with the current model of four equally funded regional clubs in the senior men's game," adding the current setup "isn't delivering consistent success on the field and isn't currently financially sustainable given the likely investment required".
They went on to say they are "considering a more radical strategy focused on maximising investment and reforming the whole structure of professional rugby in Wales."
The WRU says the proposed changes would allow "a significant investment in player development and pathways" and a new national centre to develop coaches and support staff.
Wales have been in a rut at international level for some time, with the men's national team having suffered 18 consecutive Test defeats before beating Japan on Saturday to square the two-match series in the Far East.
The women's team have also finished bottom of the last two Six Nations Championships, losing all five matches for the first time in the 2025 edition.
'The consultation will cover the entire high-performance framework from pathways to professional club structure and the senior men's and women's game,' the WRU added.
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