WRU sets three-team plan, Ospreys vs Scarlets for license

The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed the process to reduce the number of men's professional teams from four to three, setting the stage for a direct contest between the Ospreys and Scarlets for a single license in west Wales. The governing body announced on July 29, 2026, that Cardiff Rugby and Dragons RFC are set to be offered the capital and east Wales licenses respectively, contingent on their agreement to final terms. This leaves the Swansea-based Ospreys and Llanelli-based Scarlets to compete for the remaining west Wales license, with a merger between the historic rivals remaining a possibility.

The transition to a three-team structure is scheduled for the start of the 2028-29 season. The formal process to decide the licensing framework and award the final west license will begin in December 2026 and is to be completed by the end of the 2026-27 season. Officials stated that only the four existing professional teams are eligible to apply for the licenses.

Following Wales's Nations Championship matches in November, the WRU plans to convene the leadership of all professional teams and other stakeholders to collaboratively develop the future operating model. The aim is to...