Under the current WRU proposals professional clubs would have no control over rugby decisions including coaching, player recruitment and selection. For Dragons RFC this is not viable or desirable, but we have consistently sought a constructive discussion on how to improve the Union’s plans.
Dragons RFC, represented by David Wright and Rhys Blumberg, duly met with the WRU on 6th November having previously made public our position on this key issue of governance (see Club Statement – 24 October 2025), we anticipated a constructive and meaningful engagement.
Ten minutes ahead of the meeting we were sent a 50-slide pack by the Welsh Rugby Union. Shortly after the meeting started, it became clear and apparent that the WRU was not inclined to make amendments to their proposed governance arrangements. We therefore left the meeting soon after. In short, nothing had changed, the WRU was still insisting on controlling all rugby related matters and demanding that they are directly employing players, coaches and all support staff.
Central management by the WRU of all rugby operations is not acceptable, nor is it in the interests of club owners, who expect to be fully responsible and accountable for rugby operations, a key and fundamental element of the club and business we bought.
Having now had time to review the WRU proposal in full, we also noted a new set of financial commitments demanded from owners, which had not been aired prior to 6th November 2025 and which are both unacceptable and off market.
David Wright, Chairman of Dragons RFC, commented: “Rugby and the business that sustains it do not live in separate worlds. At the Dragons there is no prospect of signing up to any structure that strips the club of control over what happens on the field. Supporters understand instinctively that their team must be selected by their own club. They will not throw their heart behind a side assembled anywhere other than Rodney Parade.
“We will go on pressing for a settlement that respects supporters, serves the club and strengthens the national game. The WRU must now pause, think again and reconsider both its position on governance and the financial terms it has placed on the table.”
Rugby and the business that sustains it do not live in separate worlds. At the Dragons there is no prospect of signing up to any structure that strips the club of control over what happens on the field...
