The Welsh Rugby Union has set out a timeline for cutting its professional men's teams from four to three by 2028, confirming that Ospreys and Scarlets will compete against each other for the sole remaining licence in west Wales. Cardiff and Dragons are expected to be awarded the capital and east licences respectively, meaning the contest is effectively narrowed to Swansea-based Ospreys versus Llanelli-based Scarlets, with a merger between the two also seen as a realistic, if contentious, outcome. The move matters because it will reshape the future of professional rugby in Wales, affecting players, staff, supporters and investors across the region.

Under the plan, discussions on the licensing framework will begin in December, bringing together leaders from all four teams and other stakeholders after November's Nations Championship, with a final decision expected before the end of the 2026-27 season. Only existing teams are eligible for a licence, and the WRU says only incumbents will be considered. The reduction was originally due sooner but was delayed to 2028 after a proposed takeover of Cardiff by Ospreys owners Y11 Sport & Media collapsed in April; all four regions have since signed a Professional Rugby Agreement. A merger between Ospreys and Scarlets was previously close to happening in 2019.