The Welsh Rugby Union is set to announce plans to slash the number of its professional teams from four to two.
Currently, Wales has four United Rugby Championship sides – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets.
WalesOnline reports that under the new proposal, only two professional outfits would remain, each running both a men’s and a women’s team.
A new national centre of excellence is also being lined up as part of the shake-up.
The blueprint has been put together by WRU director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin, who believes this is the optimal structure to safeguard Welsh rugby’s future.
Each men’s squad would reportedly carry 50 players, with an annual playing budget of £7.8-million (R185-million).
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It has not yet been decided whether the two surviving teams would be existing regions or entirely new entities.
The four current teams have publicly committed to fighting for their survival during a six-week consultation process, which could still alter the outcome.
Photo: @WelshRugbyUnion/X