Regions yet to agree deal as WRU deadline passes

The Welsh Rugby Union took control of Cardiff last week, with chief executive Abi Tierney saying it would be unthinkable to allow the demise of rugby in the capital

Scarlets, Ospreys and Dragons have yet to agree to sign a new long-term deal with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), with a set deadline passing on Tuesday night.

WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood asked the three sides to ensure they had agreed to confirm their intention to sign a new deal by "close of play" on Tuesday, following the governing body's takeover of Cardiff last week.

The Arms Park outfit were placed into temporary administration last Wednesday, with the WRU taking control of the capital-based region.

That development raised concerns about the proposed new arrangement between the WRU and the four Welsh professional sides, known as the Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA).

The PRA, which includes a new funding arrangement, is meant to form a key component of the WRU's long-term plan, which they have called the 'One Wales' strategy.

In February, it was announced the parties had agreed in principle to a five-year deal - but that was before the dramatic events surrounding Cardiff last week.

The WRU met with Scarlets, Ospreys and Dragons last week before Collier-Keywood sent a follow-up email to the three sides stating they needed to agree to sign the PRA by 15 April.

Collier-Keywood described the process as being "urgent" in order to ensure all parties could move forward into next season with "certainty". He wants to be able to complete the new funding aspect of the PRA by 30 June.

But Scarlets, Dragons and Ospreys have not agreed to the WRU request, with concerns raised following the Cardiff takeover, and they are still waiting to see a final completed copy of the PRA.

No information has been given publicly as yet about what will happen next after the WRU deadline passed, with negotiations expected to continue.

There is a scheduled meeting on Wednesday between the WRU and four professional sides, when the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) assemble.