Cardiff are ‘relieved’ when Dragons, Ospreys & Scarlets respond to WRU cut plan

There was no indication that positions at the table or historical success would be a deciding factor in the WRU’s final decision.

But the goal of going to three teams is to ultimately achieve success on the field, which is where we have,” Collier-Keywood said [WRU’s] The desire is to align to improve the performance of both national teams and professional clubs.”

While Cardiff and Dragons appear to have a geographical advantage – although there is an unlikely possibility that either team will be able to apply for a license to play anywhere – the Swansea-based Ospreys and Scarlets, who play in Llanelli, were quick to remind decision-makers that they are the two most successful teams judged on several metrics.

Ospreys have already announced plans to redevelop Swansea’s St Helens Stadium into their new stadium for the 2026-27 season, while Scarlets said they are “confident the club will continue to play a central role in the future of the game in west Wales from its home at Parkway Scarlets”.

The Scarlets unveiled new proposed investors in August – despite former WRU chief executive David Moffett resigning from that US-based company this week.

The Ospreys said they met on Friday morning with WRU Director of Rugby Dave Redden and Professional Rugby Board (PRB) Chairman Malcolm Wall to set out their plans for Welsh rugby.

An Ospreys statement read: “Ospreys are the most successful region in Wales, having won more league titles, producing players who have won more Welsh international caps and been selected for more British and Irish Lions tours than any other region.

“We will continue to work with the WRU with a view to reaching an agreement that continues this proud tradition.

“Our aim has always been to find a solution that works for Welsh rugby and Ospreys Rugby, not just at elite level but across the whole game and the communities involved.”