Player reaction as WRU proposal to cut two regions described as ‘short sighted’
In the aftermath of the Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) announcement that their preferred structure of professional rugby means potentially cutting two regions, a number of current players have had their say on the matter.
Joe Hawkins, who has recently returned to Welsh rugby after signing for Scarlets ahead of the upcoming season, has described the potential move as “very short sighted”.
The 23-year-old centre broke through as a teenager at Ospreys, making his first start for Wales just a few months after his 20th birthday. However, he never built on the 5 caps he earnt in 2022 and 2023, after signing for English Premiership side Exeter Chiefs.
The WRU’s 25-cap rule prevented him from playing for his country during his two season spell at the Chiefs. Hawkins initially left the Ospreys during the potential players strike of 2023, after almost 70 regional players were potentially out of contract – including Hawkins – with months to go until the end of the season.
Following the announcement yesterday that the WRU are considering a two-club model, which could potentially see all the regions dissolved, the Wales centre took to X to give his view as a player on the matter.
“[Sic] Think everyone agrees change is needed, but going down to 2 from 4 seem very short sighted,” Hawkins posted.
“It will definitely increase the squad quality and maybe success short term but probably at the cost of the little fans Welsh rugby has left walking away which will kill the game and even more player heading to England at a young age due to lack of playing opportunities.
“What happens then in 5 years when there’s no fans and all the best young players are over the bridge with no one coming through?”
He continued: “Also, as a player, if 2 new teams are made then who wants to play for a team with no history and no loyal and passionate supporters? All the best Welsh players will want that and find it outside of Wales.”
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When asked by a comment what his preferred solution would be, Hawkins said that three regions – options ‘B’ and ‘C’ in the proposal by the WRU – would be what he would do in the Union’s position.
“I think 3 regions with a structure underneath to produce quality Welsh players to supply the 3 teams over the long term is what we should be aiming for and I hope realistic given the circumstances,” he added.
“Would rather the process to success take longer. Obviously 4 well funded and successful regions is the dream but I think unrealistic at this point.”
Hawkins was not the only one to give his thoughts on the WRU plans. Harri Deaves, in a now-deleted Instagram story, reposted a BBC post reporting that the proposal to cut the number of teams from 4 to 2, saying, “Read the comments [thumbs up] ‘the death of Welsh rugby.'”
With the WRU set to spend all of September in consultation with the rest of Welsh rugby’s stakeholders, including fans, owners, investors, players, and sponsors, it is clear at least that there are some on the playing side who believe that the Union’s preferred option for the future of the game is not viable.
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