'Something has to change!' Wales' regional rugby coaches speak out as tipping point arrives

Welsh regional rugby coaches are calling for change in the way the game is run. The regions are struggling this season. There are no Welsh sides in knockout stages of the Champions Cup. Wales won two Grand Slams and two Six Nations titles in last year's tournament. Scarlets are the only Welsh team to reach the knockout stage in a decade. Dean Ryan, director of rugby at the Dragons, says a root and branch review of how the professional game in Wales is set up is needed. He also believes there needs to be a joint strategy for success between the regions and the national team. It is not common sense to continue in this way.

The WRU gives regions a lot of money for their players. The WRu didn't make regular payments for the last 18 months. This has affected the availability of the national 38. Liam Williams has played in six out of 33 matches for Scarlets since joining in 2020. Ryan believes the WRUs should improve the quality of their first choice players to improve their revenue. The Irish provinces have been enjoying success for a prolonged period. They have a better financial resources. It's not easy to change that. There are many reasons why. Wales' regional rugby coaches speak out as tipping point arrives. Their players are not available for international duty.