Welsh Rugby pursue radical overhaul which gives Gatland more power

The Welsh Rugby Union has reportedly offered to wipe out a major chunk of debt at all four of its professional regions in return for a 20% equity stake, which will give head coach Warren Gatland more control over his players.

First reported by WalesOnline, the move comes as the four clubs are negotiating a new long-term strategy for the game in Wales, which is due to be completed in November.

The proposed deal would see the WRU move the circa £14m of Covid debt all four sides owe the Welsh Assembly Government onto its balance sheet.

Per WalesOnline’s report, the Welsh Government debt had been reduced to £13.8m after the WRU negotiated a new lending facility of £4.9m with NatWest to refinance it at the end of June 2023 partly. The WRU also utilised the facility to refinance a £2m loan it had passed through to the regions from World Rugby, which was also provided in response to the pandemic.

It is believed that two of the regions are happy with the proposal in principle, but that two remain unconvinced.

Should the deal occur, it would allow Wales head coach Warren Gatland more power to move players between the clubs to ensure that log jams of talent are avoided. It would also allow The WRU to have a say over who each side appoints as CEO and more influence over the director of rugby, coaches and strength and conditioning plans.