The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has announced a delay in the planned overhaul of its top-tier women's rugby teams, originally scheduled for the 2025-26 season. This decision comes amidst significant transformations in the men's rugby sector, which has impacted the strategic planning for women's rugby in Wales.

Background and Decision

The proposed changes would have seen the replacement of Celtic Challenge teams, Gwalia Lightning and Brython Thunder, with new setups. These teams were to continue competing in the Celtic Challenge, a tournament that also features teams from Ireland and Scotland. The WRU had invited bids from the nation's four professional men's regions and selected universities to form these new teams.

However, an internal email among senior WRU officials, obtained by BBC Sport Wales, revealed that the process has been paused. The email cited the ongoing transformation in the men's game as the primary reason for this delay.

Impact on Men's Rugby

Since the WRU took over the financially-stricken Cardiff club in April, there have been significant developments in the men's rugby landscape. The Arms Park club and Dragons have signed a new agreement with the governing body, but a potential legal dispute with Ospreys and Scarlets has emerged. This situation has cast doubt on the long-term future of the west Wales teams, with possibilities of reduced funding compared to their east Wales counterparts.

Speculation also surrounds the potential reduction of Welsh men's professional rugby teams from four to three or even two. Any such reduction would directly affect the options for establishing new women's teams.

Future of Women's Rugby

Despite the delay, the WRU remains committed to developing marketable and commercially viable high-performance clubs for women players in Wales. Belinda Moore, WRU head of women's rugby, stated that Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning will continue to represent Wales in the flagship tournament next season. This decision was made in the best interest of the players and management teams, ensuring a professional elite sporting environment.

Moore emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable, centrally supported high-performance environment, especially with the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England on the horizon. Many of Wales' top internationals currently play for English sides in the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) league, highlighting the need for a robust domestic competition like the Celtic Challenge to develop talent in Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.

Conclusion

The WRU's decision to postpone the revamp of its leading women's teams reflects the complex interplay between the men's and women's rugby sectors in Wales. While the delay may be seen as a setback, it underscores the union's commitment to ensuring stability and growth for women's rugby in the long term.