‘Immense disconnect’ between WRU and fans – MPs

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) “risks throwing the baby out with the bath water and alienating supporters” with its plans to reshape Welsh rugby, MPs have said.

WRU bosses were quizzed on their controversial plans – which could see the number of professional sides in Wales cut from four to three – when the Welsh Affairs Committee met in Westminster on Wednesday January 21.

WRU chief executive Abi Tierney and chair Richard Collier-Keywood were questioned on the impact of the restructuring plans, and how the loss of a professional side will affect support for the game in Wales.

Following the meeting, the cross-party committee – which is chaired by Newport West and Islwyn’s Labour MP Ruth Jones – highlighted the “immense disconnect” between the WRU and fans.

In a statement, the committee said: “Today’s session was an opportunity to explore the rationale for the radical proposed changes and to hear more from fans on their concerns.

“It is clear that the chair and chief executive of the WRU understand the financial and sporting challenges facing Welsh rugby, but the scale of the opposition we heard from the supporters’ groups shows that there is more to do when it comes to finding a sustainable solution.

“By going down the path of losing a professional team, the WRU risks throwing the baby out with the bath water and alienating supporters. There seems to be an immense disconnect between the WRU and fans.”

The committee added: “The WRU needs to do more to bring people with them and communicate that it has a vision for a successful future for Welsh rugby – from the grassroots through to the top of the professional game.”

The committee also took evidence from supporters’ groups representing all four professional sides in Wales.

The four regional sides were formed in 2003, along with the long-defunct Celtic Warriors region.

Club teams across Caerphilly County Borough feed into the Dragons, who play home games at Newport’s Rodney Parade, and hold some training sessions at the Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach.

‘Evidence-led’

The WRU has said its board’s approach “has been to act deliberately rather than precipitously, to consult widely before deciding, and to ensure that reform strengthens, rather than destabilises the wider rugby system”.

It continued: “The WRU’s approach has been evidence-led, transparent, and proportionate. Reform of the professional game is being used as a lever to strengthen pathways and community rugby rather than displace them.

“Decisions are supported by defined, multi-year investment and independent governance assurance.

“The WRU recognises the sensitivity of these changes and has sought to balance urgency with responsibility, acting where necessary while preserving system capacity.”

‘No surprise’

Conservative Senedd Member Gareth Davies, who is the shadow secretary for culture and sport, said: “It is no surprise the WRU has been labelled out of touch by MPs, given the growing frustration among fans over how the game is being run and the lack of clarity around plans to cut a professional region.”

He continued: “The WRU already faced a monumental task in bringing supporters with them after proposing to cut a professional team, and this week’s rumours surrounding the Ospreys have only deepened concern and opposition among fans and players.”