The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) plans to reduce Wales from four men’s professional rugby teams to three before the 2028/29 season.
The new structure will award three operating licences based on geography. One team will represent the capital, another will represent east Wales, and the third will represent west Wales.
Cardiff and the Dragons have secured the capital and eastern licence areas. Therefore, the Scarlets or the Ospreys will lose their place in the new professional structure.
The WRU will begin the licensing process in December 2026. Officials expect to complete the process by the end of the 2026/27 season.
The decision marks a major change for Welsh professional rugby. It will also create an important period of uncertainty for the two west Wales clubs.
WRU outlines plans
The WRU has confirmed its plan to establish three men’s professional teams from the 2028/29 season.
One team will operate in the capital. Another will represent west Wales, while the third will represent east Wales.
The WRU Board reviewed several factors before deciding on the three licence areas. In addition, the union confirmed that only current professional teams can apply for a licence.
As a result, Cardiff Rugby will receive the capital licence area. Dragons RFC will receive the east Wales licence area, subject to the final licensing terms.
The Scarlets and Ospreys will therefore compete for the remaining west Wales licence.
The WRU Board has also agreed on a timetable for the licensing process. The process will start in December 2026.
Officials aim to finish the process by the end of the 2026/27 season at the latest.
The decision will determine which three teams form the future of Welsh professional rugby.
Safeguarding the game
WRU vice-chair John Manders said the new structure will give Welsh rugby a clearer direction.
The union has already started developing support structures for the new professional model.
These plans will strengthen player pathways and improve environments for senior players. They will also provide more focused financial support.
In addition, the WRU wants to improve facilities across the professional game.
Manders said the union wants to concentrate its resources. The organisation believes this approach will give its teams a better chance of success.
The WRU also hopes the changes will protect the long-term future of the professional game.
However, the move will significantly affect one of Wales’ existing professional clubs.
The Scarlets and Ospreys will now face an important battle for the west Wales licence.
The successful club will continue in the new structure. Meanwhile, the unsuccessful club will face an uncertain future.
Avoiding prolonged uncertainty
Professional Rugby Board chair Marianne Økland said Welsh rugby must now work together.
She stressed the importance of reaching a clear agreement on the future operating model.
According to Økland, the coming months will play a critical role in shaping Welsh professional rugby.
The Professional Rugby Board wants to finalise the licensing model as quickly as possible.
After that, officials plan to confirm the licence arrangements and transition plans without unnecessary delays.
A quick decision could help clubs prepare for the changes. It could also give players and staff greater clarity.
Furthermore, a clear timetable should reduce uncertainty for supporters, investors and sponsors.
The WRU hopes an orderly process will make the transition smoother.
For now, Cardiff and Dragons have greater clarity about their future licence areas.
However, the battle for west Wales remains unresolved.
The Scarlets and Ospreys will now wait for the licensing process to begin in December 2026.
That process will ultimately decide which club remains part of Wales’ three-team professional rugby structure from the 2028/29 season.
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