RFU confirms approach from WRU regarding Anglo-Welsh league

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has confirmed that the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has made an approach to explore an Anglo-Welsh tournament. This development comes as the Welsh domestic game faces a period of significant uncertainty.

The WRU is currently implementing a strategy to reduce the number of professional men's teams from four to three by 2028. Licences have been confirmed for Cardiff and the Dragons, while Ospreys and Scarlets are competing for the remaining west Wales licence, with a decision expected by the summer of 2027. New WRU chair Lyndon Faulkner has suggested that all options remain under review, including the possibility of retaining four professional sides.

The WRU is exploring the potential to place two teams into an Anglo-Welsh competition. However, the United Rugby Championship (URC) is currently reviewing the situation, particularly concerning potential legal implications, as Wales is committed to providing four teams to that competition for the next two years.

RFU chief Bill Sweeney stated, "There are some fundamental questions there." He added, "We don't yet have a clear understanding of how they would legally exit the URC which they are a member of, so that has to be clarified in some detail. Going into cross-border competition has different ramifications and we have to be clear around the complexities."

In response to these remarks, the WRU pointed to a statement issued last week, which noted that Welsh men's professional teams remain committed to the URC until the 2027-28 season concludes. The organisation stated it would finalise its future operating model by the end of this season and continues to work with URC shareholders regarding Welsh representation. The WRU also highlighted that it is pursuing the inclusion of two women's teams, Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning, in Premiership Women's Rugby.