Labour MS Jayne Bryant has said her party wants to see four professional regional teams retained in Wales, as the WRU faces criticism over its approach to the future of the game.
Bryant, who represents Casnewydd Islwyn, wrote a piece following a Senedd vote this week about the future of the regions. She described herself as a lifelong Newport RFC supporter and Dragons season ticket holder since the start of regional rugby, but said she was writing as a Welsh rugby fan rather than a supporter of a particular club.
Rugby's role in communities
She said Welsh rugby is woven into the fabric of communities, culture, and national identity, with rugby clubs serving as hubs for social activity, volunteering, and community pride. She argued the WRU's role in shaping the game's future must be carefully scrutinised.
Welsh Labour believes four professional rugby teams should be retained in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, and Llanelli. Bryant said these clubs play a hugely important role off the pitch in their regions, supporting young people, improving health, and creating jobs.
Player development and national team
She said the four teams provide vital opportunities for player development in Wales, and noted the Welsh national team has been very successful since regional rugby was introduced in 2003, compared with the period beforehand, despite current difficulties. The clubs provide a pathway for local children to progress through the game, she added.
Bryant said the WRU's proposals to cut the number of professional clubs would destroy the connection and sense of place for supporters. She said without a strong club game, the international team suffers, and noted dwindling ticket sales for recent internationals had not prompted a different approach from the WRU.
Government engagement and economic case
She said the WRU has significantly mishandled the process and should publish the full evidence used to make its decisions. She said the Welsh Government is engaging with the WRU, and cited a response from the cabinet minister to her written question in June stating the government was clear of the need for meaningful engagement with all parties on the future of Welsh rugby.
Bryant said Welsh Labour finds it remarkable that the Plaid Cymru government did not vote back the Senedd vote to retain four rugby regions. She said pitting regional clubs against each other in a fight for their existence is hugely damaging to the game, and that going to three clubs would leave uncertainty over a future move to two.
She also made an economic case for four clubs, saying match days generate spending in local businesses and support jobs in hospitality, tourism, and retail. She said fans of all clubs feel the WRU are not listening to supporters and players, and instead are focusing on changes that do not have public support.
Bryant called on the Plaid Cymru Welsh Government to protect rugby as part of cultural heritage and the economic benefits professional sides bring, and asked why the government would not join Welsh Labour in calling for the WRU to drop their plans with immediate effect.
