Nine MPs have met the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and urged them to “return to the discussion table” amidst the rows over the Professional Rugby Agreement and a potential two-tier funding system.

The WRU admitted last week that the Union would be exploring an unequal funding system for the four regions, in response to Scarlets and Ospreys refusal to sign the new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA).

In a joint statement from the two clubs, Scarlets and Ospreys maintain that they are seeking clarity from the WRU over the ownership of Cardiff Rugby – who the Union took over last month after it had gone into administration.

The group of MPs met WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood and CEO Abi Tierney on Friday, urging them to reconsider their plans to introduce a two-tier funding system, and to return to the neogtiation table with Scarlets and Ospreys.

The statement, issued by Labour MPs Stephen Kinnock, Tonia Antoniazzi, Torsten Bell, Nia Griffith, Henry Tufnell, Carolyn Harris and Chris Elmore as well as Plaid Cymru MPs Ann Davies and Ben Lake, says it is “imperative that the WRU treats each of Wales’ professional clubs with respect and fairness and that no club is handed an advantage at the expense of others”.

“Both Ospreys and Scarlets had committed to signing the new PRA before the collapse of Cardiff Rugby and its subsequent rescue by the WRU,” the statement reads.

“Following that event the clubs requested assurances of fairness and equality for all clubs. The requests from clubs was not with a mind to gaining an advantage for themselves, but to help ensure a positive future for the whole of Welsh rugby.

“Rugby is central to our communities, not just at professional level, but in schools, local clubs and grassroots settings across the country.

“Wales’ professional clubs understand that they play a critical role in supporting the rugby ecosystem as well as the social and economic fabric of Welsh communities.”

“Rugby is a game that is built on respect,” the statement continued.

“It is imperative that the WRU treats each of Wales’ professional clubs with respect and fairness and that no club is handed an advantage at the expense of others. Without our professional clubs everyone – schools, local rugby clubs and the wider community – suffers.

“The uncertainty that the WRU’s actions and announcements have caused is leading to further destabilisation of Welsh rugby and everything which relies upon it.

“Both clubs have both assured us they remain committed to working collaboratively with the WRU to reach an agreement that gives fair treatment to all.

“We urge the WRU to return to the discussion table to provide the assurances of fairness and equality for all clubs that Ospreys and Scarlets have requested in the best interests of Welsh rugby.”

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After Scarlets and Ospreys failed to sign the PRA before the deadline set by the WRU, the Union gave the two sides a two-year notice before the current deal ends in 2027.

Failure from either party to reach an agreement would now see the WRU take away the regions’ professional licences to play in the United Rugby Championship and European competitions.

The most recent statement on the matter came from the Union came on May 18th, with Abi Tierney stressing that the WRU are “continuing to talk to all four clubs about what the future will hold.”

“We acknowledge the continued commitment of each club to Welsh rugby and will formulate a new plan with the best interests of the whole game in Wales at the forefront of our thinking.”

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