The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) faces its own crossroads. WRU CEO Abi Tierney has warned that Welsh rugby must “do something different” to stop declining fan numbers. The union plans a formal consultation with its four professional clubs—Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, and Scarlets—considering cutting the number of teams from four to two. This proposal, while aiming to strengthen the game, risks alienating thousands of passionate fans across the country.
00:00Rugby's emerging Rebel competition R360 is shaking up the coaching landscape with Michael Chica and Ronan O'Gara reportedly top targets for coaching roles.
00:13Alongside these shock coaching licks, former England prop Joe Marla is set to be considering a comeback from retirement to join the Breakaway League, according to reports from Mail Online.
00:24R360, backed by England World Cup winner Mike Tindall and ex-Bath director Stuart Hooper, aims to revolutionise rugby by launching 12 new franchise teams worldwide. Players could reportedly earn up to £740,000 a season at this new model.
00:44The planned season would be shorter with just eight games, allowing players 12 weeks of rest annually. With a target launch between September and December 2026, the league is racing to sign 200 players by next month, buoyed by a surge in interest from top international stars eager to join this innovative set-up.
01:04The Welsh Rugby Union faces its own crossroads. WIU CEO Abbey Tierney has said that Welsh rugby must do something different to stop declining fan numbers.
01:17The union plans a formal consultation with its four professional clubs, Cardiff Dragons, Ospreys and Scartlets, considering cutting the number of teams from four to two.
01:30This proposal, while aiming to strengthen the game, risks alienating thousands of passionate fans across the country.
01:38Tierney stresses the importance of carefully managing club branding and fan engagement throughout any restructuring,
01:46acknowledging no solution is perfect, but action is necessary.
01:50We've got to come up with something that wins the hearts and minds of fans back, she said.
01:57Adding to the mix, New Wales head coach Steve Tandy expressed confidence in handling the pressure and scrutiny that come with the job,
02:06saying criticism is part of the role in a passionate rugby nation and that he's prepared for the challenges ahead.
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