Reducing franchises to three would hurt Welsh rugby, says Dragons boss
DRAGONS boss Dean Ryan insists a reduction in the number of regions from four to three would be a damaging step for Welsh rugby to take. The Dragons could be at risk if one of the professional sides are disbanded ahead of the 2023-24 season, which is among several proposals included in a report commissioned by the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) to look at how best to move the game forward. Also reportedly being suggested is a merger between the Scarlets and the Ospreys, although the Swansea-based team have made it clear in a statement they would oppose this. The Dragons are second from bottom in the United Rugby Championship table, but Ryan insists their demise would have lasting repercussions. ‘If you look at a financial sheet it might look better with three, but I don’t believe that would benefit the long-term future of rugby in Wales,’ Ryan said. ‘It is already facing challenges of how to develop players through to
the competitive end of the game. ‘If you look at successful tierone and World Cup-winning sides, keeping the avenues open for a range of player development for people to experience is invaluable. ‘Everyone talks about models, but the challenges Italy and Scotland face aren’t solved by restricted numbers. ‘Statistically, World Cupwinning sides have a number of sides competing at the top level and a number of avenues for players coming through.’ The Ospreys have won the URC four times under its various guises, second only to Leinster, and are intent on keeping their independence. ‘Ospreys have been working closely and collaboratively as a member of the PRB to devise a strategy that will ensure sustainability and raise performance across the professional game in Wales,’ an Ospreys statement read. ‘We remain bullish about the future of rugby in Wales and look forward to further success and Ospreys remaining the most successful Welsh region.’ Meanwhile, Bristol chief executive and former Ireland kicking coach Mark Tainton is to step down from his role at the end of the season. The Bears say his departure is for personal reasons but it comes in the wake of an administrative error made in several player contracts which limited the Bears’ recruitment plans. Tainton is Bristol’s alltime highest points scorer.