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The Welsh Rugby Union is set to confirm it plans to cut the number of Wales’ men’s club teams from four to three with one of the Ospreys and Scarlets at risk.
But that will only happen from the end of the 2027-28 season at the earliest with the current status quo maintained until then.
The news follows a lengthy consultation period with Welsh rugby stakeholders. Earlier this summer, on the back of significant on and off-field trouble and financial issues, the WRU announced its preferred plan was to halve the number of sides from four to two.
Director of rugby Dave Reddin (right, with Wales boss Steve Tandy) has been behind the plans
Wales broke their 18-match winless run with a 31-22 victory over Japan in Kobe in July
However, the proposed ‘optimal solution’ received vehement criticism from almost all quarters. As such, the goalposts have been moved in response.
Daily Mail Sport understands Welsh rugby’s new plan is to go to three domestic outfits with the Newport-based Dragons and capital club Cardiff – who are owned by the WRU after they fell into administration earlier this year – having guarantees of a long-term future.
That means one of the two based in west Wales – the Ospreys in Swansea and Scarlets in Llanelli – are now very much at risk of ceasing to exist. Which one is yet to be confirmed .However, between now and then all four will remain in place.
More to follow…
