Welsh Rugby Union outline timeframe for plan to cut a west Wales region

The WRU state that they will “bring together the leadership of all the professional teams, and other stakeholders” after Wales’ Nations Championship matches in November.

They intend to thrash out the finances of their proposals and assess the interests of the quartet in taking up the new licences.

“This will allow an orderly implementation and avoid prolonged uncertainty for clubs, players, supporters, investors and sponsors,” said Marianne Okland, chair of Welsh rugby’s Professional Rugby Board, whose members met on Monday.

“Assuming that Cardiff Rugby and Dragons RFC want to sign up to the proposed licensing terms, there is now certainty that they will be offered the capital and east licences respectively.

“We understand that there will be ongoing uncertainty until a final decision on the west licence is made.

“That is why we are committed to progressing in a collaborative way, whilst not underestimating the considerable challenges ahead, and providing stability for all at the earliest opportunity.”

In April, the governing body confirmed that the cut to three teams would not happen until 2028 after a deal with Ospreys owners Y11 Sport & Media to buy WRU-owned Cardiff fell through.

Scarlets and Ospreys joined their eastern rivals in signing a Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA) this summer and are now poised to battle for survival.

That is unless they can be convinced or agree to merge – which was close to happening in 2019.

“We have already begun to put the support structures in place to develop the related player pathways, to create the best environments for our senior players, to provide the right financial support and to develop the facilities around them,” said WRU vice chair John Manders.

“We are making important progress which will safeguard the future of our game, concentrate resources and give our teams the best chance of achieving success at all levels.”