Wales' cabinet minister for culture and sport, Heledd Fychan, has met the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) after fans expressed a "disconnect" between the governing body and supporters over plans to axe one of the men's professional regional sides. The WRU has confirmed that either the Scarlets or the Ospreys will be cut by 2028 as part of a move to reduce Wales' regional teams to three, a plan that has provoked strong opposition from fans and raised concerns about the economic impact on affected communities.

Fychan, who is also the Senedd's chief whip, stressed that the WRU is an independent organisation and that the Welsh government has no direct role in its decisions, but said she raised supporters' concerns directly with WRU chief executive Abi Tierney. She said the meeting was constructive and included positive updates on women's rugby in Wales, though she acknowledged that Scarlets and Ospreys fans still feel unheard, urging the WRU to engage properly with communities. This follows earlier criticism from the Welsh Affairs Select Committee in January, which also warned the WRU risked "alienating supporters" over the cuts.