The Welsh Rugby Union says it will announce the reasoning behind its decision to axe a team in west Wales soon.
WalesOnline put a series of questions to the governing body amid growing fan discontent and calls for the entire board to resign.
The crucial development that has once again ignited public fury towards the WRU was last month’s statement that confirmed Cardiff and the Dragons will be offered the central and east licences, leaving the Ospreys and Scarlets to fight it out for survival.
Fans demand answers over west Wales decision
Fans of the two west Wales regions, who have been the most successful sides since regional rugby was formed, have demanded to know why the union has decided to base just one side in the west.
So far, the WRU has only said it came to its decision based on population, schools, rugby infrastructure, financial sustainability, sporting performance, heritage and fans but has not provided any data or evidence to back up the seismic call.
In a series of questions to the WRU, WalesOnline asked why there has been so little explanation on why they had chosen the three licences as east, central and west.
WRU promises to publish information soon
The WRU says it will publish the information “soon”, after facing accusations of a lack of transparency.
They also say they will provide further detail on why they chose the criteria, how the three selected licences meet those requirements and what weighting will be given to each element of the assessment.
According to senior figures within the Welsh game, the working document that explains why these criteria have been chosen, and, crucially, what weighting will be attached to each of them, has not been shared with the four professional clubs either.
This is potentially problematic for the WRU because clause 10.2 of PRA25 states any external reports produced for the WRU relating to professional rugby must be shared with the clubs.
When put to the WRU they say this information will be shared soon ahead of the workshops with the four professional clubs in December to design the future operating model.
WRU defends decision as right for Welsh rugby
“Change is hard and as committed rugby fans ourselves we understand the emotions linked to the decision to move to a three-team model,” read a WRU statement.
“This decision was not taken lightly. It is the result of the extensive consultation process undertaken last year, detailed research and analysis and intensive internal and external debate over a long period.
“Future national team success will come from improved pathways, the centralisation of our academy system, and a concentration of playing talent.
“We are taking a holistic approach to improving the whole rugby system for generations to come.
“We understand the concerns and we acknowledge the current resistance, particularly in those areas most affected by change. But we are confident that this is the right thing to do for Welsh rugby.”
