\n<\/p>\n
Tierney has outlined why the WRU continues to plan to reduce the number of professional teams which it says will help release money to invest in Wales’ development pathway.<\/p>\n
“I think if we remain with the status quo we’ll continue to see uncompetitive regional teams,” said Tierney.<\/p>\n
“As a result of that you potentially will lose benefactors over time, fan numbers will continue to drop, players won’t want to play there.<\/p>\n
“So there’s lots of risks around this.”<\/p>\n
Tierney could not answer when the final decision will be made, although stated in the EGM that a delay will harm Welsh rugby’s future.<\/p>\n
The four regions – Cardiff, Ospreys, Scarlets and Dragons – will play in the United Rugby Championship (URC) next season but there are still no guarantees what happens next.<\/p>\n
“I wish I could give information, and I keep getting asked that question lots of different ways, but I can’t give you a date at the moment,” Tierney said. <\/p>\n
“We’re in complex processes and they are difficult decisions that are going to last a generation.<\/p>\n
“We’ve got to make sure they’re not rushed, they are the right decisions and in the best interest of Welsh rugby.”<\/p>\n
Tierney also confirmed the WRU is down \u00a36m on forecasted ticket sales for the 2025 Autumn Nations Series and 2026 Six Nations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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