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BBC News
21-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Big decisions needed for radical future' - WRU's Reddin
Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) director of rugby Dave Reddin says Welsh rugby cannot continue as it is and big decisions are needed to produce a "radically different future".The WRU is considering halving the number of regions in Wales as part of a new domestic structure by the 2027-28 governing body says it is entering a formal consultation with the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) and could reduce the number of regions from four to three or even WRU has finally appointed a new head coach in Steve Tandy but Reddin says that alone will not solve the ills of Welsh rugby."I think we have to say, given where we are, that we can't continue the way we've been," said Reddin. "That would be the height of madness to think that one coaching appointment is going to change the outcome."It won't. I think we need to lean into and embrace that." The current professional rugby agreement (PRA) that underpins the Welsh professional game runs out in June 2027 and it was due to be superseded by a new five-year deal has been agreed by WRU-owned Cardiff and privately-owned Dragons, but has still not been signed by either Ospreys or Scarlets, who say "key issues" have not been has led to the WRU stating it can no longer afford to fund four professional sides equally, which has led to the threat of a reduction in has only just started his new role but is involved, along with WRU chief executive Abi Tierney, in plans to change the structure of the game in Wales, a process which is scheduled to finish in October."I've been getting involved in that behind the scenes prior to starting because there's no more critical thing for Welsh rugby," said Reddin."We are going to consult and it is a genuine consultation. We want to talk to people."I've got a clear view of one of the options we could have going forward but the consultation process is genuine."If we sit here and think that nobody has a better idea than us then we are done from the start."That consultation will include players, it will include clubs and will include all the key stakeholders."We need to do it in a respectful and comprehensive way so that whatever the decision ends up being, everyone feels they've had a voice in that and it's something in the future they can get behind." 'We have got to make big decisions' Having come from the Scotland system of two professional sides, new head coach Tandy will be asked for his opinion on any changes but will not be directly involved in the decision-making."Steve will be consulted about his views on the direction we take but he will not be going out and talking to the regions about the future strategic proposals," said Reddin."That's my job and Abi's job, to get out there and do that piece of work."Ultimately then we've got to make a decision taking into account all of that insight that people will bring to it."I'm sure there'll be a lot of passion and emotion that comes to it as well."Reddin says tough decisions will have to be made."Ultimately we've got to assimilate all of that information and make sure that informs the decisions we take going forwardx, as difficult as they might be," said Reddin."We've got to make some big decisions if we want a radically different future."
BBC News
14-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
WRU considers cutting up to two regional teams
The Welsh Rugby Union is considering halving the number of regions in Wales as part of a new domestic structure by the 2027-28 governing body says it is entering a formal consultation with the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) and could reduce the number of regions to three or even a statement, the WRU said the current system is failing and is unsustainable, having already confirmed it does not intend to continue equally funding four professional teams in the men's shake-up comes after the men's side suffered its worst season with nine defeats in 10 games that drew a total losing sequence of 18 matches, a sequence that only ended last weekend with a 31-22 victory in the second Test against WRU wants the strategy to be completed by to follow.
South Wales Argus
29-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
WRU: Leighton Davies appointed new chief commercial officer
The position was previously known as the chief growth officer and aims to bring growth to the governing body and the game in Wales. Currently WRU's chief operating officer, Davies has been instrumental in establishing robust business processes and a solid financial foundation. He will assume his new role later this summer, with a replacement for his current position yet to be recruited. Abi Tierney, WRU chief executive, said: "We are delighted that Leighton has accepted this new challenge in such a pivotal role for Welsh rugby. "It is a key position for us as we continue the process of professionalising and further commercialising ourselves to meet the challenges faced by all of Welsh rugby as part of our five-year One Wales plan." Davies, a member of the Professional Rugby Board, expressed his enthusiasm for his new role. "I am really excited to be taking up this new role," he said. "Welsh rugby possesses a huge amount of unrealised potential and this is what directly attracts me to this position. "The game is undoubtedly going through a tough time, not just in Wales, but globally, but I'm hugely excited about the potential of our new strategy and plans."
