Spot on from Ken Owens, this. “The issue with all this is, we’re forgetting about the cultural element of it and what the effect of dropping 2 teams, going from 4 to 2 is going to have on communities across Wales and no one’s really listening to that.”

It’s seems everyone in wales Journos Money men Supporters Ex players Wru Think wales needs to change Problem is everyone only wants change that suits them

I hate to be blunt about this, but he’s all a bit melodramatic. Ospreys & Dragons barely average a crowd of 8k between them unless they’re playing Welsh opposition. Get rid of both of them (which isn’t what I want!!!) and ‘communities across Wales’ would barely blink an eye.

Bollocks. Ken’s not being “melodramatic” he’s hit the nail on the head. Guys like Reddin and RCK don’t understand the fabric of Welsh rugby. Therefore the cultural and community elements of these teams are being overlooked. It’s a fair and valid point to make.

There are some brilliant people who follow both teams. But the fact the Ospreys in particular can only muster 3-4K fans most weeks tells me they’ve already lost their engagement if their local community, let alone across wales. It’s precisely the problem we need to fix.

These teams mean a lot to people. stadium doesn’t work for Ospreys anymore and supporters don’t like there. If it gets the full go-ahead St Helen’s will be transformative for them. Future dependent of course.

Well, I get the logic of the argument Lance Bradley makes around that - although even before the latest mess I wasn’t 100% convinced by it. But I think we need to admit that a lack of engagement is a problem that needs to be solved overall, than a problem being created.

That doesn’t mean it’s a reason to necessarily cut two regions. But I think we all can admit - surely - that fan engagement at pro level is something we need to see improved.

@JNPhillips4 Biggest problem with the URC is the fixtures strange kick off times dragons last year played a few on Sundays I think one game was 4/5ish you get 4 games in a month nothing for 2 months this needs changing to build interest in the game

@JNPhillips4 There’s a lot that needs changing, that’s for sure.

The culture of Welsh rugby disappeared in 2003 when the game decided to move to regional rugby (haha) with so called regional teams. 20+ years of greed and poor direction have broug us to where we are today. Down the pan and no daylight in view. RIP rugby as the game for Wales 😟

That job was done when the regions were created

Now he’s labour would be great to see him lobby Welsh government more to start expressing their concerns

Hopefully he is one of the former players being consulted

Across Wales? He’s talking about the bottom third of Wales surely because the WRU forgot the rest years ago.

Probably a smaller impact on communities than regionalisation had tbf. As many point out - crowds are dire as it is, so an argument to be had at starting afresh. 3 regions probably the sweet spot but success up to the national side is the thing that ultimately matters.

@DragonsLairPod They should revert back to a club rugby system previously, which is semi-pro at the top level and have just one regional professional side (men/women) competing in Europe or England. 4 sides have failed, and with just 2 regions, there are too many politics. The fans won't back it

Three true pro teams (not linked to historical clubs) with a strong, well funded, televised Super Rugby Cymru that allows for new entrants every two years. Is what is needed.

Everyone saying why the WRU preferred option is crap and yet very few offering up what they would do in the WRU’s position. I’d like to hear more potential solutions

Plenty of opinions out there. Some say they want a 2+2 funding model. others prefer 3+1 or going down to 3 teams. Opinions vary.

The WRU is run by English people in both men’s and the women’s game. There’s barely a Welsh person in a senior role - why would anyone expect English people to understand Welsh culture?

Seems quite clear that the WRU already have made a pre determinate decision. The ‘consultation’ will just a veneer covering the output.

That’s my concern. The WRU say they will listen but will they really? I’m not convinced, sadly.

They’ve tried to apply pressure by releasing the document to the public. The problem for them is any flexibility on that proposal will undermine their position. It’ll get ugly.

It already happened in 2004. When the Regions were created.

@DragonWales9 Very few people are interested in the four 'regions'. Judgement Day was like the Marie Celeste and valleys fans from Abertillery to Maesteg have no one to be invested in (though to be fair the Dragons tried to be Gwent for a bit. Attendances will be no better for the favoured two

I dont think he put it across clearly enough ...2 and 2 seems the best compromise and as for 2 new pro womens sides ? Where's the revenue come from to finance it ?

From the off .It was always going to be Cardiff Swansea Newport and Llanelli. Nobody in the Valleys gave a monkeys then.And nobody in the Valleys gives a monkeys now. Nice to see the SRC clubs having bigger crowds.

Yes. He's spot on, but he doesn't have the ££££ to make it work.

Ken owens can fuck off

Rugby in Wales has been sliding for years.....4 to 2 is a sticking plaster. Managed decline....like the rest of Wales

Ultimately the wru want one club, like New Zealand Warriors.

Gogledd??? 🤷‍♂️Just a Hwntws resident asking why a population of around 1 million don’t even get a look in

Ok continue to be shit regionally and internationally

Another Welsh man with no blank cheque and no answers. Great player, but needs to do the Math. Wales are a great rugby nation. They need to start looking forward not backwards.

@AllWalesSport But according to that guy on the WRU "fans support players".🤷‍♂️

👍

The @ospreys ceo @lance hasn't listened about that for a long time.

But not that many going and they are losing My issue is that they are halving the number of teams but funding only going up a fraction so still won’t be competitive

Ken a one-eyed scarlet.

@premrugby Please invite the two dropped teams into the Premiership; it makes perfect sense.

@simonrug Well said Ken, the WRU have looked at a flawed financial model, the 2 entity solution will result in at least £12M reduced income to Welsh rugby, a smaller player pool, and loss of community identity.

@simonrug Reduce Union Admin gravy train spending by half and fund 2 existing super teams and 1 challenger U23 team. Pump the Super Rygbi rivalry up. Sack the pub team execs and half the Board via an EGM and start again