Latest news with #Scarlets
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
Horsman urges WRU to act quickly on potential team cull
Former Wales prop Chris Horsman says strong leadership and a quick decision is needed by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) after it announced it was considering cutting up to two of its four professional regional rugby's governing body says it is entering a formal consultation with the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) - which represents both the WRU and Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets - saying the current system is failing and WRU says it wants a "more radical" strategy to be completed by played for Celtic Warriors - one of the original five teams created when Wales switched from club to regional sides as the top level of the domestic game - who were disbanded after just one season in 2004."What the game needs more than anything at the moment is stability," said Horsman, 47, who won 14 caps and has coached Wales Under-20s and Wales Women."For me, if they're [the WRU] going to make the cut they've got to just come forward they've got to give us some strong leadership." The current professional rugby agreement (PRA) that underpins the Welsh professional game runs out in was due to be superseded by a new five-year deal agreed by WRU-owned Cardiff and privately-owned Dragons, but has still not been signed by either Ospreys or Scarlets who say "key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 four sides are expected to continue to exist in their current form until at least June 2027 but their futures are now uncertain."Potentially they have got a year left of their contract," Horsman told Radio Wales Drive."They [the regions] want financial stability. Are you going to buy a season ticket? If you're a business are you going to sponsor the region, because you don't know in three, four month's time, you might be told it's not going to be there anymore? "So there are so many things resting on this decision and again we've got to wait."I know it's not going to be straightforward but we've heard that things were going to happen 18 months ago and they haven't, so I don't put a lot of stock in it's going to happen fast. I hope it does for the players' sake and for Welsh rugby's sake."One thing I will say is when we were at the Celtic Warriors, it happened over a weekend, pretty much, and as painful as it was at least it was done and then there was a decision made that the players were divvied up, pretty equally between the four regions and the game moved on quickly. "I think that's what's needed now."
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Wales considering cut to two or three professional teams in 'radical' restructure
The Welsh Rugby Union is considering halving the number of teams in Wales in the men's professional game. Wales' four regions - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets - compete in the United Rugby Championship, but the quartet have struggled in recent years amid claims the current model of funding professional rugby in Wales is unsustainable. The WRU announced in May that it would move away from the framework of four evenly-funded clubs after Ospreys and Scarlets did not sign up to its new Professional Rugby Agreement. Now the governing body has announced it will enter into formal consultation with Wales' four regional clubs and other key stakeholders that will lead to a domestic restructure by the 2027-28 season. Listed in the "key potential developments" to be consulted upon, the WRU included: "Whether there should be a reduction to three or two regional men's teams, to ensure that we have teams that can compete at the top of the professional game." The Union added: "The WRU board has already publicly confirmed it does not see the system continuing with the current model of four equally funded regional clubs in the senior men's game. "The current rugby system in Wales, which includes national teams, professional clubs, community clubs, academies, universities and schools isn't delivering consistent success on the field and isn't currently financially sustainable given the likely investment required, even with the recent actions taken to increase financial resources. "Based on its extensive work over the past 18 months, including ongoing consultation with the four professional men's clubs, the WRU is therefore considering a more radical strategy focused on maximising investment and reforming the whole structure of professional rugby in Wales (amongst other options). "The changes would be aimed at boosting Welsh rugby as a whole: the academies, the Super Rygbi Cymru (SRC) and Celtic Challenge competitions (men's and women's semi-pro game), professional clubs and the national teams for both men and women." 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. The consultation period will take place over August and September.
ITV News
2 days ago
- Business
- ITV News
Major changes to Welsh rugby as WRU proposes cutting number of regions
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has launched a consultation over a major shakeup to Welsh rugby that could cut regional clubs from the current four to three or two. 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.
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
Welsh Rugby Union considering cut to two or three regional teams in 'radical' restructure
The Welsh Rugby Union is considering halving the number of teams in Wales in the men's professional game. Wales' four regions – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets – compete in the United Rugby Championship, but the quartet have struggled in recent years amid claims the current model of funding professional rugby in Wales is unsustainable. The WRU announced in May that it would move away from the framework of four evenly-funded clubs after Ospreys and Scarlets did not sign up to its new Professional Rugby Agreement. Now the governing body has announced it will enter into formal consultation with Wales' four regional clubs and other key stakeholders that will lead to a domestic restructure by the 2027-28 season. Listed in the "key potential developments" to be consulted upon, the WRU included: "Whether there should be a reduction to three or two regional men's teams, to ensure that we have teams that can compete at the top of the professional game." The Union added: "The WRU board has already publicly confirmed it does not see the system continuing with the current model of four equally funded regional clubs in the senior men's game. "The current rugby system in Wales, which includes national teams, professional clubs, community clubs, academies, universities and schools isn't delivering consistent success on the field and isn't currently financially sustainable given the likely investment required, even with the recent actions taken to increase financial resources. "Based on its extensive work over the past 18 months, including ongoing consultation with the four professional men's clubs, the WRU is therefore considering a more radical strategy focused on maximising investment and reforming the whole structure of professional rugby in Wales (amongst other options). "The changes would be aimed at boosting Welsh rugby as a whole: the academies, the Super Rygbi Cymru (SRC) and Celtic Challenge competitions (men's and women's semi-pro game), professional clubs and the national teams for both men and women." 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. The consultation period will take place over August and September.
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wales' remarkable success story this season still has one more chapter to write
Wales' remarkable success story this season still has one more chapter to write The Wales full-back has enjoyed a remarkable first season since moving from New Zealand, but one thing still eludes him Blair Murray of Wales (Image: 2025 Getty Images ) When Blair Murray arrived in Llanelli last year, the versatile back-three was hoping for just a handful of appearances in his debut season with the Scarlets. A coffee with Leigh Halfpenny while the former Wales full-back was playing in Christchurch with the Crusaders convinced Murray that a move from New Zealand to Wales was the right one, but the former New Plymouth Boys' pupil - whose mother hails from Tonyrefail - had tempered expectations for what he was about to head into. Instead, a whirlwind ride has followed for the electric 23-year-old. Thrown into the Scarlets' starting side straight away, it's been some maiden campaign in Wales for Murray. Quickly becoming an important part of Dwayne Peel's side, he crossed for 11 tries in 17 starts for the Scarlets, helping them to the United Rugby Championship play-offs and earning him a place in the league's Elite XV at the end of the season. His form also warranted a call-up by Wales at the first opportunity, with Warren Gatland handing him his Test debut against Fiji last November. Since then, he's been involved in every Wales match this season. As he once again starts in Kobe this weekend, his first season in Welsh rugby will end with him already in double figures in terms of caps. Article continues below His name was even regularly thrown into the mix when it came to picking the British and Irish Lions squad. When the time comes to take it all in, it's been some rise. "I haven't really had the time to sit and reflect on the first season," Murray tells WalesOnline in Kobe. "It's been a bit of a rollercoaster. "Coming from where I was to where I am now, I wouldn't have expected any of it. If I think about it, it's been awesome. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack for the exclusive five-week tour diary from Japan and Australia. "I'm so grateful for the opportunities I've had. The opportunities with the Scarlets in terms of game-time and letting me express myself. And then being the Wales set-up as well, it's been awesome. "When I signed with the Scarlets, I was thinking I might get three to five games for them and then hopefully next year I'd be able to work my way into the starting team. So being put straight into the starting squad and getting as much game time as I did, I was stoked. "I just wanted to make the most of the opportunity. It's been amazing." In terms of cultural differences, as anyone who has visited Aotearoa, there's not a whole lot of difference between Wales and New Zealand. There's always been a kind of bond between the countries, so that part was fairly simple for Murray. "In terms of culture, it didn't feel too different coming over," he added. "It helped I had family in Wales and near Bristol as well. "Having people nearby that I can talk to and see if I need it, I never really felt homesick which was massive for me. Obviously my girlfriend came over with me as well. That's made it a lot easier here. "It's just different playing styles I guess. There's a lot more running rugby back in New Zealand. "Here, it's a lot more structure-based. A lot more kicking and territory. "Rugby-wise, I remember the first month I struggled a little bit with the amount of kicking. You say the Scarlets are known for throwing it about, but for me it didn't feel like that at all! "For me, it felt like we didn't run at all and were just kicking everything. Once I understood it and we got a bit experience as a group, it became a lot better and I started to really enjoy it after a bit." Murray was quite a find for the Scarlets. When they signed him, he'd played just eight games for Canterbury's NPC side, while he'd been told there was no place for him at the Crusaders in the short term. Most of his development came with the University of Canterbury Vipers - making his rapid rise all the more remarkable. Halfpenny was at the Crusaders when Murray was trying to force his way in - with the former Wales full-back, who is now coaching Wales on this tour, offering some sound advice. "I had chats with him," he said. "When the Scarlets offered me a contract, I had a coffee with him, just asking him what it was like. "He said I'd love it here and it'd be perfect for me. He helped me make a decision and make it more clear for me. "Now that he's in the set-up, it's quite cool to have another familiar face coming in. He's been a massive help. "He's one of the best full-backs to ever do it. The help he's had on me, in terms of positioning and skillset, has been amazing. "He's on the quiet side. But as a coach, he's been awesome. He hasn't been afraid to step into the team meetings and say his word. "He's helped me a lot individually. I know he's done it with other boys, getting us on our own and showing us clips. He's been great." Despite the quick ascension to Test double figures, there's still something Murray hasn't crossed off his list - a victory at international level. He's not alone in that regard, with so many of this Wales side having not tasted it for some time. Last weekend, 17 consecutive Test defeats became 18 - with a picture of Murray on his haunches after the full-time whistle perfectly illustrating the devastation of that latest defeat. "I just took a moment with myself to let it all sink in," he says about that moment. "It was a heart-breaking loss. "It felt like we were on to win. We just couldn't quite finish the job. "So I took a moment to myself to reflect, then it's getting around the boys to make sure we're all sticking together. It's a tough loss. "We're going into half-time 19-7 up and it's still the same with 20 minutes to go. We felt like we were in a comfortable spot to win. "We just lost momentum and things didn't really go our way. It's a heart-breaking loss." Despite that, Murray has no doubt in his mind that that run - the elephant that has been present in the room for over 600 days now - will be buried this weekend. "I feel confident we can get the win," he added. "I felt like we should have won last week and we can get the win. "It's just making sure we do stay in the game for the whole 80 minutes, sticking to our game plan. But I'm confident. Obviously, it's matters who shows up on the day. "Japan are a good side. They've got class players, attacking shape is great and they're known for playing fast and scoring tries. As long as we stay switched on for the whole 80 minutes, we've got a good shot and should get the win. Article continues below "Everyone knows that we're in a low point at the moment. We all want to get the win and be the team to end it. It's exciting for us to have the opportunity to get that done."
