A significant report on Welsh rugby made a seismic conclusion back in 2022, which unfortunately was never acted upon. The Oakwell report was a major review commissioned by the Welsh Rugby Union to address the problems faced by Welsh rugby and to provide solutions for a better future. While the report recommended cutting one of the professional clubs to improve the financial standing of the remaining three, the WRU has remained committed to four professional sides – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, and Scarlets.
The report raised concerns about the financial sustainability of four professional clubs in Wales, suggesting that the country could only afford three professional sides. The review highlighted several failings within the current structure of professional rugby in Wales and warned of dire consequences if action was not taken. Despite the Oakwell Report’s recommendations and warnings, the WRU and the Professional Rugby Board chose not to cut a professional side but did make efforts to address some of the issues raised.
One of the key points of the Oakwell Report was the need for appropriate governance structures in Welsh rugby. While progress has been made in this area since 2022, with WRU clubs voting in favor of governance reforms, there are still challenges in giving the PRB real powers of authority. The report also emphasized the importance of creating greater commercial alignment within Welsh rugby, suggesting shared services and a central commercial body to improve the commercial ecosystem.
The Oakwell Report’s findings suggested that more investment was needed in Welsh rugby to enable the clubs to compete for silverware consistently. The new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA) is expected to increase playing budgets to £6.9 million per club by 2029, but comparisons with other nations like Ireland highlight the challenges faced by Welsh rugby in terms of financial investment and competitiveness. While there were concerns raised about the level of funding needed for success in professional rugby, efforts have been made to control costs and improve governance within Welsh rugby.
Despite the insights provided by the Oakwell Report and subsequent reviews commissioned by the WRU, the path to a sustainable and successful future for Welsh rugby remains a challenging one. With ongoing discussions about the number of professional clubs, budget allocations, commercial strategies, and governance structures, the WRU and the professional clubs are working towards a more stable and competitive environment for the sport in Wales. As the debate continues on the best way forward for Welsh rugby, the insights from these reports will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of the game in the country.