Dragons RFC has issued a strong statement against the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), following a formal consultation with the Union this week.

Following the WRU’s publishing of their four ‘models’ for the future structuring of the regional game in Wales, the Union have begun a period of consultation with the various stakeholders in Welsh rugby.

Dragons say that they have “carefully studied” the WRU’s proposed ‘optimal solution’, which includes two new clubs formed in the place of the four existing regions, and a new national campus built to house both.

The statement from the Dragons confirms that they held a consultation with the Union on Tuesday September 2nd and have set out the club’s position on two key issues:

“1. No compelling case has been made for reducing the number of professional teams to two. We remain firm in our view that there is no reason the Dragons can’t continue in our current form. The financial and performance data provided by the WRU contained inconsistencies and are based on questionable assumptions.

“2. The governance structures outlined by the WRU are not acceptable. Rugby and commercial operations cannot be separated and the Dragons will not sign up to a model that gives us no control of on-field performance.”

The Dragons have made it clear that they want the WRU to change its course in terms of reducing the number of regions.

David Wright, chairman of Dragons RFC, added: “We are extremely disappointed in the initial proposals – they simply don’t add up.

“We will continue participating in the consultation and we want to find a solution. We are committed to securing a positive future for Welsh rugby and to elite rugby continuing in Gwent, but there is no way we can agree to the proposals as they currently are.

“Welsh rugby deserves better and the WRU must rethink.”

Dragons have also reasserted the fact that they were happy to sign the recent PRA25 earlier this year, as well as having the financial stability to continue in its current guise.

“Our confidence in our position has been reaffirmed by advice from our expert global-recognised legal consultants.”

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