Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for Economy – in the Senedd at 2:30 pm on 11 May 2022.
Can I thank Tom Giffard for that question? Certainly we're aware of the reports in the press that the WRU is exploring options for a change in their structure. You'll appreciate that I and my officials meet with the WRU on a fairly regular basis and one of the things that we do talk to them about is the ongoing financial sustainability of the WRU and the regions. But as you've already said, the reports in the press are based on an independent report commissioned by the PRB and it's not yet been considered by the PRB or the WRU. So, it's purely a matter for the WRU, as the governing body for the game, to work with the PRB and make those decisions for the benefit of the game in Wales.
As you know, we have provided a significant loan to the WRU to help manage the impact of COVID and to support our regional teams, and any discussions around changes in the structure or the number of the regions won't affect that arrangement. But I would certainly want to have further discussions with the WRU, once they make their decisions and once they've considered that report, about the future financial viability of the regions, which is so important to the future of the game in Wales.