News

WRU unveils radical plan to halve professional teams in Wales

Published

5 months ago

August 20, 2025

Union launches consultation on two-club model with new national campus and funding shake-up

THE WELSH RUGBY UNION has gone public with a bold plan to slash the number of professional teams in Wales from four to two, in what it describes as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to reshape the game.

At a press conference held at the Principality Stadium on Wednesday (Aug 20), WRU leaders set out their vision for the future of Welsh rugby, unveiling proposals to merge the professional structure into just two clubs — each running a men’s and a women’s team — backed by a new national performance campus and a radically altered funding model.

Chief executive Abi Tierney said: “We know how emotional rugby is and that people will be hurting when thinking about what this could mean for their team. Not everyone is going to be happy but I don’t think carrying on as we are is the right thing for fans either. We had to do something radically different to get us to a better place.”

Two-team model

Under the optimal scenario presented, Wales would be left with two fully professional clubs, each running a men’s squad of 50 and a women’s squad of 40. Playing budgets for the men’s teams would be set at between £7.8m and £8m, with a strict focus on developing Welsh-qualified talent. Only four overseas players would be permitted across the two sides.

Director of Rugby and Elite Performance Dave Reddin said the move was designed to put Wales back at the top of the international game. “This is unashamedly about trying to take Welsh rugby back to the top. It’s about designing for elite performance and making talent outperform its capacity,” he said. “Why shouldn’t we believe Wales could be wildcard World Cup winners with the right system?”

Five pillars of reform

The WRU’s restructuring is built around five pillars:

Two professional clubs (one men’s, one women’s at each location) designed to compete at the highest level.
A new national performance campus to centralise training for elite players and staff.
Replacement of the Professional Rugby Agreement with a unified management structure to cut friction and speed up decision-making.
A central funding model, with the WRU paying rugby costs while private investors run clubs commercially under licence.
Major investment in player pathways, including an expanded women’s domestic league, enhanced academies and improved coaching opportunities.

The union confirmed that existing academies will be scrapped and replaced by a single men’s national academy, alongside a new development system for women.

Consultation begins

The consultation period will begin on September 1 and close on September 26, with the WRU engaging Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets, the Welsh Rugby Players Association, former and current players, and official supporter groups. An online survey will also open to the wider public.

Chairman Richard Collier-Keywood said: “Every player and fan story starts somewhere. We will be listening to views from grassroots through pathways to elite level. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to get this right and create an exciting future for our game.”

A recommendations report will go before the WRU board in mid-October, with a final decision expected at the end of that month.

Ospreys respond

The Ospreys, one of the four current professional clubs, have already issued a statement in response, acknowledging that some of the ideas outlined by the WRU hold “real potential”.

Women’s game overhaul

The plans also include a major expansion of the women’s game, with the two professional women’s teams backed by a national academy, new player development centres, and the creation of a domestic league to strengthen the Celtic Challenge.

Financial shake-up

Perhaps the most radical shift lies in the financial model. The WRU would directly fund all rugby operations in the two professional clubs, while commercial operations would be handled by private owners and investors under licence. The union believes this will improve alignment and stability across the game.

The road ahead

While the two-team model is the WRU’s preferred solution, other scenarios remain under discussion, including a three-team structure or retaining four sides with unequal funding. The union insists no final decision has been made until the consultation is complete.

As Tierney summed up: “This consultation is about listening. Every voice matters. We must work together if we are to create the future Welsh rugby deserves.”

Business

Eight-year prison sentence after vehicle stop uncovers drugs worth over £150,000

Published

11 minutes ago

January 29, 2026

Court Reporter

A ROUTINE vehicle stop by roads policing officers has led to an eight-year prison sentence after more than £150,000 worth of illegal drugs were discovered in a car in Pembrokeshire.

On Friday, January 2, officers from the Roads Policing Unit stopped a grey Seat Ateca on Hoyland Road, Pembroke. The vehicle was being driven by 43-year-old Dean Evans.

During the stop, Evans told officers they would find “stuff” in the car. He and the vehicle were subsequently searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

A search of the boot uncovered a cardboard box containing a one-kilogram block of cocaine and ten half-kilogram packages of herbal cannabis. The street value of the drugs was estimated to be well in excess of £150,000.

Evans was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession with intent to supply controlled drugs. He was later charged with possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs.

The 43-year-old pleaded guilty at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, January 3.

On Thursday, January 28, Evans was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court to eight years’ imprisonment for possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis.

DC Jones, from Dyfed-Powys Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit, said: “Tackling the supply of illegal drugs is a priority for Dyfed-Powys Police, and the misery that illegal drugs bring to local communities will not be tolerated.

“We welcome the sentence passed to Dean Evans, given the large quantity of harmful drugs he was caught trafficking into Pembrokeshire.

“This sentence should serve as a stark warning to anyone tempted to become involved in the illegal drugs trade in Dyfed and Powys.”

Community

Generous support agreed for Milford Haven Library

Published

43 minutes ago

January 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FUNDING package worth £18,700 has been agreed to help secure the long-term financial sustainability of Milford Haven Library.

At a meeting on Monday (Jan 12), Milford Haven Town Council approved funding to support the library over the next three years.

The decision follows a year of partnership working between Pembrokeshire County Council, the Port of Milford Haven and the Town Council, as the organisations sought solutions to ongoing funding pressures.

A public consultation held in 2025 highlighted the importance of the library as a valued community asset, not only for book lending but also as a hub for groups, wellbeing checks and warm spaces.

Discussions resulted in a contribution of £10,000 from the Port of Milford Haven and £3,000 from the Town Council to ensure the library could continue operating during the 2025/26 financial year. The latest agreement extends that support, providing funding for the next three years alongside continued substantial backing from the Port over the lifetime of the council’s lease.

Councillor Rhys Sinnett, Pembrokeshire County Council’s cabinet member for residents’ services, said: “This is excellent news for the town as it allows us at Pembrokeshire County Council to continue providing a much-valued service at current levels.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Milford Haven Town Council and the Port of Milford Haven, as through partnership working we are able to maintain this important community resource.”

Councillor William Elliott, Mayor of Milford Haven, said the agreement reflected the value placed on the library by the community. He said: “We are delighted to have reached a consensus to support the library over the next three years.
“We value the importance of the library not just for the loaning of books, but also for its wider role supporting groups, wellbeing checks, warm spaces and more.
“Over the past 12 months we have continued to work closely with the library team, the County Council and the Port of Milford Haven to explore all available options, and we remain committed to this partnership going forward.”

Tom Sawyer, chief executive of the Port of Milford Haven, added: “Libraries are cornerstones of our communities — places where people connect, learn and feel supported.
“We’re proud to have helped ensure this vital resource remains accessible to everyone who depends on it.”

Milford Haven Library is based at Cedar Court. Further information about the library and its facilities is available via Pembrokeshire County Council’s libraries service.

News

Welsh Government outlines progress on fisheries strategy after first year

Published

2 hours ago

January 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ministers say new management plans, enforcement action and funding are strengthening the future of Welsh fishing communities

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has published an update on its long-term strategy for fisheries and aquaculture in Wales, claiming “significant progress” one year after the policy was formally introduced.

In a written statement issued on Thursday (Jan 29), Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said the approach was designed to create a more sustainable, well-regulated and economically resilient fishing sector.

The strategy, first set out in December 2024 following consultation with the Ministerial Advisory Group for Welsh Fisheries, focuses on three core areas: delivering Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs), meeting Wales’ statutory duties around fisheries enforcement and monitoring, and fulfilling national and international obligations following the UK’s exit from the EU.’

Management plans and consultations

Ministers say progress has been made on the development of FMPs, which are intended to manage fish stocks on a long-term, evidence-based footing. Wales is expected to launch its first Wales-only FMP later this year, covering crab and lobster fisheries, while also contributing to five joint UK plans.

A separate public consultation on changes to scallop fishing management, linked to the King Scallop FMP published in 2023, is currently under way and due to close on Friday (Jan 31).

The Welsh Government says it has also introduced an adaptive cockle management system, adjusted rules for the whelk fishery, and launched a recreational bluefin tuna fishery, all based on updated scientific advice.

Enforcement and prosecutions

On enforcement, ministers highlighted eight successful prosecutions relating to misreporting of Dover sole, resulting in fines and costs totalling £950,000, alongside 20 fixed penalty notices for other fisheries offences.

Officials say they have continued to work with other UK enforcement agencies to monitor both domestic and international vessels operating in Welsh waters, arguing that tougher enforcement is essential to protect stocks and ensure a level playing field for compliant fishers.

Funding and support for coastal communities

The statement also points to continued public investment in the sector. During 2025, more than £1.14 million was awarded through Round 5 of the Welsh Marine and Fisheries Scheme, with a further £430,000 distributed via the Coastal Capacity Building Fund.

An additional £1.29 million has been added to the fisheries budget for 2026/27, with Round 6 of the Welsh Marine and Fisheries Scheme opening earlier this month and carrying an increased budget.

Other measures cited include grants to support the installation of inshore vessel monitoring systems, new multi-year marine science contracts, and research into the economic and carbon impacts of the Welsh fishing fleet.

Wellbeing and resilience

The government says it is also focusing on workforce resilience, with supply-chain initiatives, wellbeing projects and seven upcoming Seafit Wales “Stronger at Sea” events planned across February and March. These events will offer free health and dental checks to fishers and their immediate families.

Ongoing debate

While ministers say the strategy has delivered a “stronger foundation” for the future, fishing organisations have previously warned that tighter controls, rising fuel costs and regulatory complexity continue to place pressure on small-scale operators.

The Welsh Government maintains that collaboration with fishers and coastal communities will remain central as further management plans and funding programmes are rolled out.

Ministers say the next phase will focus on building on the framework already in place, while balancing environmental sustainability with the economic realities facing Wales’ fishing ports and coastal towns.