SRC clubs aim to underpin WRU's plans for change

Super Rygbi Cymru was launched in 2024-25 to replace the Premiership

Super Rygbi Cymru (SRC) clubs are confident that extra investment can help them underpin the Welsh Rugby Union's plans to revamp the elite game.

The governing body has announced its intention to cut from four professional clubs – currently Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, Scarlets - to three by 2027.

That radical move is combined with an intention to invest in the academy structure, women's game and semi-professional SRC.

The league is in its second season and features 10 clubs with champions Newport, Ebbw Vale and Pontypool in the Dragons' region, Ospreys' Aberavon, Bridgend and Swansea, Llandovery and Carmarthen Quins in Scarlets' area, Cardiff and Rygbi Gogledd Cymru in the north.

While there are doubts and fears about the decision to cut a professional club, the SRC is confident that it can help produce more talent for the elite level.

"Anything that brings additional investment is a massive positive," said Jonathan Jones, chair of Ebbw Vale and also a representative for the SRC clubs, on Radio Wales Sport.

"As a group of clubs we met with (WRU director of rugby and elite performance) Dave Reddin and he did a presentation. There were a lot of positives around that and the mood of the room was that there needed to be change.

"We understand our part in how we can underpin the top level and that's one of the key reasons we exist.

"It's not a development league, it's a competitive league and people develop through competition.

"There is a really good mix of players around the league with the old heads, ex-pros who have dropped down and some really good up-and-coming youngsters.

"The opportunity for extra investment only has to be a positive, particularly around infrastructure and facilities to make it 21st century."

Ebbw Vale are current holders of the SRC Challenger Shield – they enjoyed another successful defence when beating Swansea 28-0 at Eugene Cross Park on Saturday – and are top of the table after being runners-up to Newport last season.

The Steelmen have a smattering of Dragons academy prospects but also pride themselves on spotting local talent with the ability to step up to SRC, and potentially higher.

"You look at the professional game at the moment and for me the most important part is what is going on underneath that, which is the community game and the pathway," said head coach Jason Strange.

"Everything needs to be joined up and aligned, and I think the Union are going to drive that forward and that would be a real positive."

Western uncertainty

Ospreys hooker Dewi Lake captained Wales on the 2025 tour to Japan

There is, however, the prospect of one route to professional rugby ending due to the WRU's plans for just one team in the west, a side in Cardiff and another in the east.

That raises the prospect of a battle between Ospreys and Scarlets – the two most successful clubs in the regional rugby era – for one spot.

A merger is another possibility, but an unlikely one.

"On a personal note, I can't see that working," said Swansea managing director Keith Colclough, a former prop and club stalwart.

"As a supporter, we have built the history up with the rivalry. You just can't take that away.

"The DNA is in those regions and the players coming through want to play for those regions. We are waiting for more detail because at the moment it's a proposal and where the clubs sit in it is difficult."

The fear is that cutting to three clubs will reduce the opportunities for SRC players to make the next step.

"You need aspiration in an area. Aspiration fires ambition," said Jones.

"There has to be a professional rugby entity in Gwent, it's the biggest district with 73 clubs, more than anybody else.

"We are nervous about the situation and it would have a knock-on effect. It may take a couple of years, but it would definitely bite us."