WRU reveals five-year strategy to rescue national game

After a torrid 12 months on and off the pitch, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has outlined its five-year plan for the future of the game in Wales.

Fittingly during a general election, the governing body has unveiled what is, in effect, its manifesto for rebuilding the national sport.

New chief executive Abi Tierney said the WRU aims to improve the men’s and women’s national teams as well as the regions, increase participation in the community and women’s game and improve the game’s finances.

However, the exact detail of just how it will achieve their “ambitious mission” is not expected until October.

At a Principality Stadium briefing on the 25th anniversary of the first game at the venue, Tierney and chair Richard Collier-Keywood spelt out the WRU’s financial difficulties.

They said the union has been operating well beyond its own means with an annual deficit of £15m as it struggles to pay off £24m of debt, largely blamed on Covid.

There was a feeling of regret that the previous WRU regime had sold some of its share of United Rugby Championship (URC) and Six Nations media rights.

They also confirmed there is a £35m funding gap for the regions over the next five years, putting the future of all four regions in doubt.