Three of Welsh rugby supporters’ clubs have backed the launch of a petition calling time on the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU)’s proposed restructuring of the professional game, including plans to reduce the number of men’s elite teams from four to three.
The petition backed by OSC, CF10 and DOSC comes amid a fierce and widespread backlash to suspicions that Ospreys could be axed as a professional team. Criticism of the WRU’s plan has come from supporters, players and even political leaders.
The supporters groups warn that the proposal risks long-term damage to Welsh rugby and could undermine the very outcomes the WRU says it wants to achieve. They are urging the WRU to pause the current process and adopt a more collaborative approach, giving greater weight to the views of supporters, communities, the four professional teams, and former players.
In a joint statement, the supporters said: “We are passionate supporters of Welsh rugby and deeply concerned about the direction being proposed. Reducing the number of elite teams from four to three would have serious consequences for our national sport and the communities that sustain it.
“We do not believe these proposals will deliver the stability or success the WRU hopes for. Welsh rugby only has one chance to get this right, and rushing through such a fundamental change without proper consensus risks lasting harm.”
The petition calls on the WRU to stop the current proposals and allow more time for meaningful engagement with all stakeholders, arguing that the future sustainability of Welsh rugby depends on bringing fans and communities with them.
“Welsh rugby belongs to its communities as much as its administrators,” the statement continues. “We are asking the WRU to listen, to reflect, and to work with supporters to build a model that secures the future of the game for generations to come.”
The petition is now open and supporters across Wales are being encouraged to add their names and make their voices heard.
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