The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has launched it’s ‘One Wales’ programme with the organisation admitting that a ‘small number’ of job losses will occur in the process.

Announced by WRU chief executive Abi Tierney, the plan will save the Union £5million annually with a ‘simplified management structure.’

“Everything we are doing is to improve rugby in Wales for everyone,” Tierney said.

“Last summer we confirmed our strategic trajectory, where we intend to be by 2029, and today we are giving further details of how we are going to get there.

“The world game may have turned professional in 1995 but 2025 will be the moment we remember Welsh rugby completed this transformation, into a fully functional, fit-for-purpose, professional organisation.”

New PRA: Light on Detail

A new Professional Rugby Agreement – called PRA25 – has also been agreed with the regions, increasing funding and what the WRU describes as ‘collaboration’ between itself and the clubs.

There has been much speculation over the size of the role that the WRU will play in rugby decisions, ranging from player and coaching signings to individual selection decisions.

The WRU say that a newly structured ‘performance department’ will be set up to ensure ‘alignment’ between the international, club, and pathways on both the men’s and women’s side of the game.

No doubt Tierney’s plans will have been changed by the major news that the WRU would be taking over Cardiff Rugby after the club revealed that they would be going into administration.

The WRU maintain that they are looking for longer-term investors into the club but, for the time being, the Union has control over both the financial and rugby sides of the club.

“The success of the professional game is an integral part of the strategy,” Tierney said.

“Our aim is to inspire competitive clubs and national teams and the progress made here will help sustain the whole game in Wales.”

Read More:

• Cardiff Rugby To Go Into Administration: What Next For The Region?
• ‘Shocked’, ‘Worrying’, ‘Wrong’: Reaction As Cardiff Goes Into Administration

‘Stop Living Beyond Our Means’

Top of many people’s minds upon reading the ‘One Wales’ strategy is the potential job losses that will be made.

The WRU claim that the pan will involve £5million annual savings and that they intend to achieve this by simplifying the management structure and making a ‘small number’ of job losses. It has been reported that as many as 20 jobs could be cut.

One area that seems to be under threat is the ‘Hub Officer’ programme which is due to be restructured to increase the coverage of each officer.

The WRU say that the money saved will be put back into the community game.

“In Wales we are rich in heritage and history and our amateur clubs are the lifeblood of our game, but we fail our members and our supporters if we don’t maximise both their potential and that of our professional game,” Tierney added.

“This is what our strategy is designed to do.

“Integral to our plans is a need to stop living beyond our means and ensuring we can invest in the key elements that contribute to a thriving rugby nation. This has led to the re-set at the WRU we are announcing today. There will also be investment in key areas, which will enable growth, as we complete our transformation programme. Regrettably there will also be a small number of job losses.

“We will make sure we look after those people affected by these changes and do everything possible to ensure their well-being and welfare during our consultation process.”

Attempting to reach Ambitious Goals

Last year the WRU set out its five main goals for Welsh rugby to reach by 2029:

• The men’s and women’s senior international teams consistently ranked in the top five in the world.
• Club teams in the United Rugby Championship and Celtic Challenge competing in the play-offs.
• Retain and grow the number of active participants – the WRU says that there are just shy of 60,000 playing in Wales.
• Financial stability across the game and at all levels.
• Increase the percentage of Welsh public who are positive about Welsh rugby.

After a long period with many asking how the WRU would achieve these ambitious goals, the Union have now announced their four pillars which will help reach these aims:

1. Develop inspiring, competitive clubs and national teams.
2. Foster a thriving and sustainable community game.
3. Accelerate the development of the women’s and girl’s rugby ecosystem.
4. Capture, engage, and grow the Welsh rugby audience through positive brands, experiences, and narratives.

The outcome of the WRU’s aims remains to be seen.

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