Last week the WRU announced their rugby strategy for the next five years until 2029.

However, many were left looking at it with more questions than answers.

The goals are now set but the ‘hows’ of reaching them is yet to be decided.

What we know is that a reduction in the number of regions, whilst being a “last resort”, is very much still on the table.

If that does come true, former Ospreys head coach Sean Holley, speaking on this week’s Sportin Wales podcast, fears that “all guns” are pointing at Ospreys as the region to go.

“My concerns are that the Ospreys will go,” said Holley.

“I know there’s plans to move to Swansea, Bridgend council are trying to counter it and get something going there.

“I know the heartache and work that it took to create a new brand. I know what It meant to Neath and Swansea supporters and the Celtic Warriors.

“For the most successful region to go would be a crying shame but it seems like all the guns are pointing that way.”

Ospreys are currently and historically Wales’ most successful region domestically. The first Welsh side to reach the play-offs of the United Rugby Championship since 2018 whilst winning four league titles, the last of which coming in 2011-12.

Practicalities of Disbanding Ospreys

Sportin Wales co-founder Alex Cuthbert spent the last three years at Ospreys before his contract ended this summer and says the possibility of disbanding the region would be “horrific”.

“From a business point of view, three regions is looking the most likely, but the heart says we need four teams,” said Cuthbert.

“Ospreys have won the most trophies but you’ve got to look long-term of how the national team is going to get better and in my opinion that’s probably three teams.

“We hope it doesn’t happen, I’ve loved my time at Ospreys, love that club with an incredible group of young boys and coaching staff.

“It’s a great environment with a really good team spirit and for them to suddenly disband it would be horrific.”

One possibility could be that Ospreys join forces with Cardiff to create a ‘central’ south or super region.

“It would be interesting to see come September if they can’t impact on that deficit whether they put Ospreys and Cardiff together,” said Cuthbert.

“It would be some team, but it would be a logistical nightmare.”

“What Ospreys fans will say is that it’ll become Cardiff, and it will,” said Holley.

“We should have a city region. You look at Leinster they get that resource because it’s Dublin.

“The argument from Ospreys fans will be, why not the Scarlets and why not the Dragons. For them it’s a massively fair argument.”

Summer Ambitions

On Saturday, Wales take on Australia in the first of a two match test series with the small matter of a clash against Aussie club side Queensland Reds on the 19^th of July.

The last time Wales beat the Wallabies on their patch was in 1969 and Saturday’s visitors have suffered a litany of near misses ever since.

Cuthbert was part of the Welsh side which toured Australia in 2012 on the back of a Six Nations Grand Slam, only to come home with three losses with losses by two points and one point respectively in the second and third tests.

The current Welsh side head to Oz in a very different vein of form.

Warren Gatland’s men are on a seven-game losing streak, dating back to their loss to Argentina in the quarterfinals of the World Cup

“They need a win, losing and winning is a habit,” said Cuthbert.

“I remember 2012 after the Grand Slam, we went into the summer and lost every game, Autumn we lost every game and then the first game of the Six Nations, it was eight in a row, these boys are only seven.

“We then went on to win the Championship in 2013. International rugby is about winning, and we beat France through George North’s try in the corner after a minging game.

“Then we go onto beat England by 30 points, half the lads are on the Lions tour, it can all change so quickly.”

Results Secondary in Australia

Despite a record 40-6 win against the Wallabies at the 2023 World Cup, Holley feels Welsh fans should temper their expectations in Australia.

“Fans should expect improvement on this Australia tour,” said Holley.

“Welsh fans will say we can go out and win the series, but let’s be honest, yes, they haven’t played since the World Cup, but Joe Schmidt’s come in and the club sides have gone well in Super Rugby.

“Their curve is upward and they’re at home. If Wales can get within a score in either test, then that shows improvement.

“I think the hardest game is going to be the Reds. They’re coming into the game on the back of being together through Super rugby and they’ll be relishing an international side coming down.”

Gatland’s man management

Before the team set off for Australia the camp was marred in controversy with the news that Ospreys hooker Sam Parry had left camp, with reports suggesting he had felt “disrespected” by Gatland.

Parry was allegedly given less kit than the other players, something Holley says you “just can’t do” as a coach.

“It’s difficult without knowing the whole situation,” said Holley.

“Having been a coach, at Ospreys I had Mike Phillips and Justin Marshall and trying to manage those two was difficult!

“It was about making those relationships with the players to soften the blow if they were out of the team.

“I still had players knocking my door and coming in at home. Steve Tandy didn’t live far from me and wasn’t get picked ahead of Marty Holah who had forty odd caps for New Zealand behind Richie McCaw!

“Boys want to play. It’s their livelihood and they want to show themselves for friends and family but also for a new contract, I get it.”

Cuthbert added: “Creating a relationship with the players wouldn’t be one of Gatland’s strengths.”

“Maybe that has to change with this squad. Back in the day with the likes of Dan Biggar and Alun Wyn, they liked that bit of tough love but these boys are different, it’s a different era.

“Half of them were born in the 2000’s and it’s a totally different mindset. Look at Andy Farrell he’s on the phone to the Irish boys a lot, Steve Borthwick is good for that.

“With Sam, they didn’t tell the players that weren’t going to Australia early enough and there was a big lack of communication.”

Back To Boring Wales

Against South Africa, Wales were criticised by commentators for lacking imagination in attack. It is expected Wales will continue with a conservative approach when they face Australia.

“That’s what Gatland did in 2012 with Shaun Edwards,” said Cuthbert.

“I remember doing the same unit sessions every time, over and over.

“At the end, we had the best defence in the Six Nations and we won it, if you concede less than 10, 12 points a game then you’re going to win.

“You want to hang your hat on something and that’s the easiest thing to do, be hard-working and physicality.”

Holley added: “I think Warren Gatland will strip everything back, do a lot on fitness, defence and kicking and I don’t see anything wrong with that.

“He’s got a lot of youngsters and he’s got to put something into the mindset of the youngsters that it’s the bare minimum.

“If we get opportunity for turnovers, interceptions take it and for points as well.

“We’ve got to build for the next World Cup and these youngsters need to understand the basics that are required for international rugby.”

Capping Rugby Code Convert

One player who Holley would like to be given an opportunity on the tour is former Welsh rugby league international Regan Grace.

The former St Helen’s winger has spent two years on the side lines after rupturing his Achilles before changing codes to move to Racing 92 and is yet to play a competitive match of professional rugby union.

“I’d cap Regan Grace in the second test off the bench because he’s not ready straight away,” said Holley.

“He’s had a long injury and not played rugby in anger. I think they need to cap him to be honest.”

The urge to cap Grace will be spurred on by the face Wales missed out on Exeter sensation Immanuel Feyi-Waboso who opted for England instead.

Gloucester’s Josh Hathaway is another who could win his first cap on the tour. The Aberystwyth-born wing-full-back has played for Wales and England U20s and has the possibility of making his debut in international rugby this summer.