Welsh clubs are planning ahead for next season after merger scrapped
THE Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed that the state of the club game will remain unchanged next season, ensuring that the Ospreys and Scarlets have at least a short-term future alongside the Cardiff Blues and Dragons.
A controversial merger deal between the Ospreys and Scarlets was discussed as part of the Professional Rugby Board’s plan to reform the domestic landscape, with a preference to find a way of creating a new franchise in the north of Wales.
With the WRU’s current financial situation making it infeasible to run five franchises on a competitive scale in both the PRO14 and in Europe, it looked as though one of the four existing sides would either be axed or forced to merge with another in order to make way for the new outfit, which looked to be based in Colwyn Bay.
But the uncertainty that came from talks that ultimately proved unsuccessful — with the merger deal being “taken off the table” and labelled “dead in the water” last month — left a number of players in limbo due to not having a contract for next season, and with the rich clubs of England and France showing interest in a number of Wales’ Six Nations Grand Slam side, a player exodus looked a genuine possibility.
“The Cardiff Blues, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets will continue to represent Welsh professional rugby in domestic and European competition for season 2019/20 the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) confirmed today,” a statement read yesterday.
“Although the PRB has previously supported the principle for a proposed merger of two teams, it has since been noted that this merger has been deemed ‘off the table’ by both interested parties. This means that budgets have subsequently been approved and player contracting can be concluded, with an emphasis on securing Welsh talent.”
The news of a potential merger deal not only led to widespread confusion — as revealed in leaked Whatsapp messages from players at Welsh clubs — but also anger among each of the Ospreys’ and Scarlets’ communities. Having taken that reaction on board, the PRB has promised to consult not only the four clubs, their players and staff, but also fans as well as broadcasters and partners.
But the PRB have also called on that fierce emotional response to get behind the four current teams in an effort to boost support — and in turn precious revenue — to create “sustainability” for the future.
“It is hoped that the emotion generated by the exploration of merger options can now be translated into support for the professional Welsh teams, helping create a sustainable future for the game in Wales,” the statement added.
“As all options are explored, the PRB will ramp up consultation with stakeholders, including but not limited to players, staff, fans, clubs, government, broadcasters and partners.”