WRU unveil plans to cut size of Premiership

THE WRU have unveiled plans to cut the number of clubs in the Principality Welsh Premiership from 14 to 10.

Welsh Rugby Union officials have made an initial presentation to representatives of the 14 teams, but were asked for more detail.

Clubs want to know the implications, like whether the proposed division would be ring-fenced, the knock-on effect on teams in lower divisions and how sides might be hit or gain financially.

A club official told the Western Mail: “The plans we were given were sketchy.

“There was a lot of detail to take in and we have reserved judgement on our views until we receive the documents.

“The WRU promised we would receive them this weekend.

“We have called a meeting of the clubs for next Monday night at Aberavon.”

The Premiership has already been cut once since professional union went regional in 2003, from 16 teams to 14.

There has been claims another cut would improve the standard of the Premiership, which has been accused by some pundits of not providing the necessary development pathway to regional rugby.

But club treasurers have voiced concerns fewer home matches would hurt finances with gate and bar takings being slashed.

Speculation is high that Bedwas, Tonmawr,Pontypool, Carmarthen Quins and Glamorgan Wanderers would get the chop under the union proposals with First Division side Bridgend allowed in.

The changes are sure to spark furious debate and could provoke a revolt from the clubs. It is understood that several clubs might see any investment they have made as waste of time if their chance of progressing to the top tier is prevented.