Controversial WRU plans to reshape Welsh rugby to be discussed in parliament

Controversial plans to reshape Welsh rugby are set to be discussed in the UK Parliament this week.

The Welsh Affairs Committee will be looking at the future of the game in Wales, amid Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) plans that could see the number of professional sides cut from four to three.

The committee, which is chaired by Newport West and Islwyn’s Labour MP Ruth Jones, will meet in Westminster on Wednesday January 21.

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

Questions could also be asked on how the changes will impact community and grassroots rugby.

MPs will also hear from supporters of Cardiff Rugby, Dragons RFC, Ospreys, and Scarlets Rugby on how the proposed changes could affect fans, wider communities, and the regional rugby systems they support and represent.

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.

Speaking when the consultation was announced last summer, Mr Collier-Keywood said: “We have a once in a generation opportunity to get this right and create an exciting future for our game and this is a responsibility we are taking extremely seriously.”