The Scarlets have signed the PRA 25 agreement, securing the future of four professional Welsh rugby teams for the next two seasons. All four sides—Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, and Scarlets—are now signed up to the deal, which runs until the start of the 2028/29 season. At that point, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) plans to move to a three-team model.
Increased Collaboration and Financial Stability
The WRU states that PRA 25 will increase collaboration across the entire rugby ecosystem and underpin an improved working relationship between the governing body and the men's professional teams. The agreement establishes financial stability for all four teams through to June 2028 and creates foundations for success in all areas of the professional game in Wales for the future, according to the WRU.
WRU CEO Comments on Alignment
“PRA25 creates greater alignment across Welsh rugby, and I am delighted that all four of our professional clubs have now signed,” said WRU CEO Abi Tierney. “We have now entered a period of increased stability across the performance game in Wales and begun to increase investment in our support structures and pathways. A lot of hard work is going into our off the field activity to create an enhanced professional environment for Welsh players at every touch point that matches their on field commitment. Our strategy for the long-term future is clear and there will be further updates on our progress in this area soon but, for now, we look forward with excitement to the start of the next United Rugby Championship in September with all four of our professional teams at play.”
Initial Refusal and Concerns
Initially, both the Ospreys and Scarlets refused to sign PRA 25 in light of the WRU's decision to buy Cardiff Rugby after they were plunged into administration in April 2025. The two west Walian clubs feared the WRU planned to turn Cardiff into a super club at the expense of the other three. This ignited a chain of events which resulted in the WRU attempting to cut the number of teams in Wales from four to three, with one based in the east, one in the capital, and one in the west.
Uncertain Future Despite Signing
Despite both the Ospreys and Scarlets signing PRA 25, both face an uncertain future given the WRU's goal of having only one team in west Wales for the start of the 2028/29 season.
Scarlets Chairman Expresses Confidence
“Signing the PRA25 is another important milestone as we build the next chapter in Scarlets' proud 150-year history,” said Scarlets chairman Simon Muderack. “With certainty for the next two years, we can accelerate the significant progress already underway on and off the field and move forward with confidence.”
