The Way Forward
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) confirm landmark decision on the future of elite rugby in Wales, introducing a new structure with three professional men’s teams and two professional women’s teams, alongside major investment in player pathways with the aim to secure long-term success, financial stability, and better alignment across all levels of the game.
“We have heard loud and clear from the consultation that people want a long-term fix and not a short-term patch. We have listened and we agree.”
Richard Collier-Keywood, WRU Chair
“This new system has been built from the ground up to drive success with every part aligned and every decision designed to raise standards, restore the DNA of Welsh rugby and deliver the step forward in performance that everyone in Welsh rugby craves.”
Dave Reddin, WRU Director of Rugby and Elite Performance
In Focus Series
Over the next few weeks we will take a closer look at the strategic five pillars at the heart of The Way Forward.
In Focus – Men’s Player Development can be read HERE
In Focus – Men’s Player Development Video
In Focus – Super Rygbi Cymru can be read HERE
In Focus – Super Rygbi Cymru Video
In Focus – Talent Insight & Management can be read HERE
In Focus – Talent Insight & Management Video
In Focus – The Future of Women’s Game in Wales can be read HERE
In Focus – The Future of Women’s Game Video
How you can stay involved and informed…
As we move from decision to delivery, all updates will be shared via this microsite and the official WRU website.
We will keep you informed every step of the way.
- Read the consultation material
The original consultation document and background materials remain available for reference. You can find them HERE - See the FAQs
You can revisit our FAQs section for clarity on the proposals and the process - Look through the consultation archive
We have created an archived list of all the supporting news and communications we have published before and during the consultation and engagement period. You can find that list below. - Watch for updates
We’ll publish regular updates and announcements via this the main WRU website and on social media.
Consultation Archive
The consultation and engagement archive
Use the links below to revisit all news and communications published before and during the consultation period.
This week in consultation
Weekly updates during consultation provided by Dave Reddin
This Week in Consultation – 05 September 2025
This Week in Consultation – 12 September 2025
This Week in Consultation – 19 September 2025
This Week in Consultation – 26 September 2025
This Week in Consultation – 03 October 2025
In-focus Series
A closer look at some of the key topics being discussed as part of the consultation
‘In Focus’ – Pathways, Competitions and Academies
‘In Focus’ – The Women’s Game
‘In Focus’ – The Finances Driving the Game
Personal perspective blog series
A collection of blogs from key figures in the WRU, looking at key topics from the consultation
Blog: Why now is the right time to look again at how Welsh rugby is structured – Dave Reddin
Blog: Reflecting on SRC and why it matters for future of Welsh rugby – John Alder
Blog: Building the future of Women’s rugby in Wales – Belinda Moore
Blog: Why financial stability is the key to unlocking Welsh rugby’s future – Leighton Davies
Blog: If we want to go far, we go together – reflecting on the consultation into elite rugby in Wales – Dave Reddin
Video interviews
Throughout the consultation, Broadcaster, Sian Lloyd sat down to interview key WRU staff to provide important context and updates on the consultation
Launch of the WRU Consultation with Abi Tierney and Dave Reddin
This September, the Welsh Rugby Union is undertaking a nationwide consultation that will help shape the future of the elite game in Wales. In this opening video, broadcaster Sian Lloyd sits down with WRU Chief Executive, Abi Tierney and Dave Reddin, WRU’s Director of Rugby and Elite Performance, to outline the scope of the process. Together, they explore how players, coaches, supporters, and stakeholders can get involved, what themes will be covered, and how the consultation will ensure that the voices of the rugby community play a central role in guiding the game’s next chapter.
Midpoint interview with Dave Reddin
The Welsh Rugby Union is currently consulting on the future of the elite game in Wales, a process that will help shape the structure and direction of professional rugby for years to come. Filmed at the Principality Stadium at the midpoint of this consultation period on Monday, 15th September, this interview with Sian Lloyd and Dave Reddin, WRU’s Director of Rugby and Elite Performance, discusses the latest insights from the consultation so far.
Consultation wrap up with Dave Reddin
In the following interview, our Director of Rugby and Elite Performance, Dave Reddin, reflects on the close of the consultation into the future of elite rugby in Wales, outlines what has been heard over the past month, the importance of going forward together as a rugby nation, and the next steps as the WRU executive team prepares its recommendations for the Board.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Health and Social Impacts of Rugby Participation 2024
How we can have a
healthier Wales?
Our commitment to inclusion
Why we believe that rugby is a game for everyone
Welsh Rugby Union Limited
Principality Stadium, Westgate Street, Cardiff CF10 1NS
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