Scarlets agree WRU deal but one region will still disappear under three-team plan

This post was originally published on this site.

The Scarlets have signed PRA 25, ensuring Welsh rugby will have four professional sides for the next two seasons.

All four sides – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets – are now signed up to PRA 25 which runs until the start of the 2028/29 season, at which point the Welsh Rugby Union plans to move to a three-team model.

The WRU say PRA25 will increase collaboration across the entire rugby ecosystem and underpins an improved working relationship between the governing body and the men’s professional teams.

JOIN OUR WALES RUGBY FACEBOOK PAGE Latest news, analysis and much more

It establishes financial stability for all four teams through to June 2028 and creates the foundations for success in all areas of the professional game in Wales for the future, it says.

“PRA25 creates greater alignment across Welsh rugby, and I am delighted that all four of our professional clubs have now signed,” said WRU CEO Abi Tierney.

“We have now entered a period of increased stability across the performance game in Wales and begun to increase investment in our support structures and pathways.

“A lot of hard work is going into our off the field activity to create an enhanced professional environment for Welsh players at every touch point that matches their on field commitment.

“Our strategy for the long-term future is clear and there will be further updates on our progress in this area soon but, for now, we look forward with excitement to the start of the next United Rugby Championship in September with all four of our professional teams at play.”

Initially both the Ospreys and Scarlets both refused to sign PRA 25 in light of the Welsh Rugby Union’s decision to buy Cardiff Rugby after they were plunged into administration in April 2025.

The two west Walian clubs feared the WRU planned to turn Cardiff into a super club at the expense of the other three.

This ignited a chain of events which resulted in the WRU attempting to cut the number of teams in Wales from four to three with one based in the east, one in the capital and one in the west.

Despite both the Ospreys and Scarlets signing PRA 25 both face an uncertain future given the WRU only want one team in west Wales for the start of the 2028/29 season.

“Signing the PRA25 is another important milestone as we build the next chapter in Scarlets’ proud 150-year history,” said Scarlets chairman Simon Muderack.

“With certainty for the next two years, we can accelerate the significant progress already underway on and off the field and move forward with confidence.”

Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here for all the breaking news.

Hot this week

Three family members found dead in house

Police have launched an investigation but say there is no ongoing risk to the public.

Twelve arrested over alleged right-wing terror threat to UK Islamic event, police say

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says the police's response "undoubtedly saved lives".

Man Utd sign £48m Santos and close in on Tielemans

Manchester United sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea and are in advanced talks with Aston Villa for Youri Tielemans.

India outplay England – but is women’s Test cricket struggling for relevance?

The scheduling of the game and the announcement of Brendon McCullum's sacking left the historic Lord's Test between England and India struggling for relevance, so what is the future of women's Test cricket?

Topics

Three family members found dead in house

Police have launched an investigation but say there is no ongoing risk to the public.

Twelve arrested over alleged right-wing terror threat to UK Islamic event, police say

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says the police's response "undoubtedly saved lives".

Man Utd sign £48m Santos and close in on Tielemans

Manchester United sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea and are in advanced talks with Aston Villa for Youri Tielemans.

India outplay England – but is women’s Test cricket struggling for relevance?

The scheduling of the game and the announcement of Brendon McCullum's sacking left the historic Lord's Test between England and India struggling for relevance, so what is the future of women's Test cricket?
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img