Wales has had four regions since 2004. The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has outlined how it plans to reduce the number of professional teams from four to three by 2028, with Ospreys and Scarlets set to compete for the side in south west Wales.
The governing body confirmed in April that it intended to press ahead with plans to move to three men's teams from the 2028-29 season, with one based in the capital, one in the east and one in the west. WRU-owned Cardiff and independently backed Dragons are expected to be awarded those licences.
That would leave Swansea-based Ospreys and Llanelli-based Scarlets to compete for the remaining west Wales place, although a joint future merger venture is also described as a practical, if controversial, possibility.
The WRU said the process to decide the framework for the final decision will begin in December and finish before the end of the 2026-27 season.
“The WRU board has examined in detail a range of factors when determining the three future licence areas and has confirmed that only incumbent teams will be considered eligible for a licence,” read a statement.
“This means contingent on the agreement of the final licensing terms, Dragons RFC and Cardiff Rugby would be offered the respective east and capital licences.”
What happens next in the process?
The WRU said it will bring together the leadership of all the professional teams, and other stakeholders, after Wales' Nations Championship matches in November. It plans to use those discussions to thrash out the finances of the 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 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.
Which teams are affected by the plan?
Scarlets and Ospreys joined their eastern rivals in signing a Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA) this summer and are now poised to battle for survival unless they can be convinced or agree to merge. The possibility of a merger was close to happening in 2019.
The WRU said it has already begun to put the support structures in place to develop the related player pathways, create the best environments for senior players, provide the right financial support and develop the facilities around them.
“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.”
Key Facts
- Wales has had four regions since 2004.
- The WRU wants to reduce the number of professional men's teams from four to three from the 2028-29 season.
- Cardiff Rugby and Dragons RFC are expected to receive the capital and east licences, subject to final terms.
- Ospreys and Scarlets are set to compete for the west licence, with merger talks also a possibility.
- The framework process is due to begin in December and end before the close of the 2026-27 season.
