19 hours ago
WRU press nuclear button with 'radical' and 'systemic' proposals to revive Welsh rugby, as two of four sides face risk of axe
Amid an hour-long press conference, pages of documents and PowerPoint slides and public outcry at the Welsh Rugby Union's radical proposal for how Wales' national game will look moving forwards, one quote stood out at Principality Stadium on Wednesday.
'It's clear the Welsh elite rugby system is no longer achieving its aims,' the WRU said in the lengthy written material provided to journalists which put forward, among many other things, the idea to cut the country's number of professional domestic teams from four to two.
This is entirely correct. There can be no doubt change is needed and the WRU has certainly pressed the nuclear button. By their own admission, the change they are proposing is 'radical' and 'systemic' – all with a view to taking Wales from the doldrums and back to winning ways.
Dave Reddin, the WRU's director of rugby, even admitted some of the proposals being put forward were 'nutty.' They have led to an outpouring of criticism. That was predictable. However, after a string of crises, the WRU knew it had to act decisively and deserves credit for doing so, even if the final outcome in the weeks to come might not actually be what is currently on the table.
Time will tell if that happens or not. 'Change is hard and this is going to be hard,' admitted chief executive Abi Tierney. 'But I think this is going to get us to a better place. I hope the fans will feel hope for the future. I absolutely recognise the hurt and anger the fans will be feeling.'
There is certainly pain out there. While the WRU's hierarchy was at pains to point out no final decision has been made and a six-week public consultation will now take place among Welsh rugby's stakeholders, on Wednesday we learned the governing body's preference is to halve the number of its clubs.
It means two of Dragons, Cardiff, Ospreys and Scarlets are now very much at risk. The WRU believes doing so can take them 'from last place in the men's and women's Six Nations to winning' and help them become 'genuine wild card World Cup winners'.
That is certainly optimistic. Reddin said: 'Why shouldn't we have that ambition? My career has taught me if you dream exciting dreams it's amazing how quickly you can get there. 'Nobody wants to be where we are now.'
The WRU's plan is for their two teams to each have a men's and women's side. At this stage, it is unclear whether the two will be entirely new entities or existing outfits. That will only become clear once the consultation process is complete. Only then will the WRU board look to officially ratify the next steps.
The fall-out has started already, with player and staff jobs under threat. Wales back Joe Hawkins, who this summer joined Scarlets from Exeter, described the potential of his country going to two teams as 'very short sighted'.
Hawkins added: 'It will definitely increase squad quality and maybe success short term but probably at the cost of the little fans Welsh rugby has left walking away which will kill the game.'
There are undoubtedly positives to what is being put forward in what the WRU says is its 'proposed optimal system'. Funding each men's team to the tune of circa £8million with squads of 50 players apiece will increase their chances of being competitive domestically.
Creating a stronger female game in Wales is to be applauded too. Reddin wants to build a new training base for all of Wales' international sides and the two proposed club teams, though where that will be located and the cost to build it are also unknowns as we stand.
'We want to lead. Let's be brave rather than just follow,' said Reddin, whose performance experience includes working alongside Sir Gareth Southgate at the Football Association and helping England win the 2003 Rugby World Cup under Sir Clive Woodward's guidance.
Reddin admitted his Welsh rugby vision was 'somewhat' influenced by English football as well as other sports. He added: 'When St. George's Park was proposed there was a huge amount of opposition. It's become a beacon for English football. We are trying to do something differently.
'If we are just going to copy people, we will always be behind. 'It was noticeable that Reddin fronted Wales' D-Day press conference as the central figure, Tierney and chair Richard Collier-Keywood flanking him.
It is obvious Reddin is the driving force behind this. The big question now the WRU has nailed its colours to the mast is whether or not they will come to fruition. That remains a very big if. It is likely that in the coming weeks any team put at risk will launch legal action.
Cardiff, owned by the WRU after falling into administration earlier this year, are the exception. 'We feel confident in our legal position,' Collier-Keywood said 'I'm not going to duck the decision. We are not going to sit on our hands.'
That, however, might be taken out of the WRU's control. There is much to consider here. Well-placed sources have indicated that while going from four to two is the WRU's preferred option, the final outcome may not be that severe. Throughout September, the WRU will seek the views of its stakeholders who are unlikely to all provide enthusiastic feedback.
He and Reddin will lead the next steps with Tierney beginning time away from her role as of Friday to focus on health treatment following her cancer diagnosis. 'We realise this is emotional. But we are trying to get the best answer for Welsh rugby,' said Collier-Keywood.
'We are not looking for a sticking plaster. 'Collier-Keywood labelled on Wednesday as an 'historic day in the future of Welsh rugby' and there can be no doubt the changes proposed represent the most seismic upheaval in Wales' national game in more than 20 years.
But there is plenty of water still to be passed under the bridge before they come to fruition. The next month won't be dull though after all, this is the madhouse that is Welsh rugby. It never is.
