Dragons owners tell WRU they are going nowhere in defiant statement
The Dragons insist they must remain a part of Welsh rugby
General view inside Rodney Parade
(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)
Dragons RFC have warned the Welsh Rugby Union they are going nowhere and insist they must retain their identity in any new structure.
In the very near future the WRU will announce what it views as the optimal solution for the professional game in Wales as it enters a formal consultation process with its key stakeholders. WalesOnline understands the prospect of reducing the number of professional teams in Wales from four to two is likely to be put forward.
If there was a reduction to two teams the Dragons would undoubtedly come under threat given they have been the weakest of the four professional clubs, although they are the most stable off the field and own their own ground.
But in a statement released to the press on Monday night, Dragons RFC owners David Wright, David Buttress and Hoyoung Huh have told the WRU are adamant they must remain part of Welsh rugby. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
"When we took over the Dragons in 2023 our ambition was clear: we wanted to build a club that could thrive both on and off the field," the statement began.
"That commitment has not changed. With the incredible support of our staff, players, partners and above all our fans we are making real progress.
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"We have established financial stability and we remain fully focused on driving forward on field performances. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
"In the coming weeks we will take part in the WRU consultation on the future of the game in Wales. Our message will be simple and consistent - elite rugby must remain in Gwent and Dragons RFC has every reason to continue proudly in its current form.
"Like all Welsh fans we also want to see a strong national side; this requires a robust and competitive regional set up.
"We expect the WRU to listen carefully to all feedback during the consultation process and to reflect the views of every stakeholder when shaping its final proposals.
"We have great fans, dedicated staff and players, and fantastic partners. As custodians of Dragons RFC, we'll continue to represent the interests of our entire rugby community." Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
The WRU's formal consultation process will begin this week but the WRU will enter negotiations with a clear view on what it sees as the best structure for the professional game.
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They will engage with all the key stakeholders including the four professional clubs, the Welsh Rugby Players' Association and the official supporters' trusts of all four sides, while they will also gather the opinion from a panel of 100 fans.
If the WRU decide it wants to reduce the number of professional clubs then it would rather do so through consensus during the consultation period.
But if there is no agreement CEO Abi Tierney has said they will appoint an independent panel and put the licences out to tender based on a set criteria.
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