Wales' rugby team needs to be brave if it wants to turn its fortunes around, says former player and current board member Jamie Roberts. The Welsh Rugby Union's (WRU) plans to scrap one of the country's four professional regions by 2027 have sparked controversy, with many fearing an exodus of talented players. However, Roberts believes change is necessary to ensure the long-term success of the sport in Wales.
"Everyone in the room is sitting around going 'where do we best divide the pie here?'" Roberts explained on the Scrum V podcast. "The money pot is finite, we need to spend accordingly." He added that the current situation, with four professional sides struggling to compete, is the most challenging one facing Welsh rugby in two decades.
Roberts' comments come as Wales suffered a record 73-0 defeat by South Africa last weekend, leaving the team on the bottom of the United Rugby Championship (URC) table. The decision to cut back to three professional regions has also raised concerns among fans and players about the future of Welsh rugby.
However, Roberts remains optimistic that the changes will lead to a brighter future for the sport. "We need to be brave," he said. "It's a tough decision, but we have to make it in the best interest of the game." He believes that consolidating the top and investing in grassroots development are key to getting Welsh rugby back on track.
The WRU has announced plans to create three professional regions, with one team based in the east, one in the west, and one in Cardiff. While this decision has sparked controversy, Roberts believes it is necessary to ensure the long-term success of Welsh rugby. "We need to be brave," he said.
"Everyone in the room is sitting around going 'where do we best divide the pie here?'" Roberts explained on the Scrum V podcast. "The money pot is finite, we need to spend accordingly." He added that the current situation, with four professional sides struggling to compete, is the most challenging one facing Welsh rugby in two decades.
Roberts' comments come as Wales suffered a record 73-0 defeat by South Africa last weekend, leaving the team on the bottom of the United Rugby Championship (URC) table. The decision to cut back to three professional regions has also raised concerns among fans and players about the future of Welsh rugby.
However, Roberts remains optimistic that the changes will lead to a brighter future for the sport. "We need to be brave," he said. "It's a tough decision, but we have to make it in the best interest of the game." He believes that consolidating the top and investing in grassroots development are key to getting Welsh rugby back on track.
The WRU has announced plans to create three professional regions, with one team based in the east, one in the west, and one in Cardiff. While this decision has sparked controversy, Roberts believes it is necessary to ensure the long-term success of Welsh rugby. "We need to be brave," he said.
you know what's crazy? I was just watching a documentary on bees 
last night and it blew my mind how they communicate with each other through dance moves 
. like, who needs language when you can bust out some fancy footwork to get the job done 
anyway, back to rugby... i mean, wales needs to take a page from the bees' book and be more agile, not just on the pitch but in their decision-making 
. But you gotta admire his confidence in the new plan. I think it's legit that they need to make some tough decisions to ensure the sport's long-term success. It's not just about throwing money at a problem, but also investing in grassroots development so future generations can benefit. It's gonna be an interesting ride, fingers crossed for Welsh rugby! 
. Cutting back to three regions might seem drastic, but Roberts thinks it could be a necessary step to ensure Welsh rugby's long-term survival 
. It won't be easy, but I think he's right to say that being brave is crucial for Welsh rugby's future 
.
. I remember when I was watching rugby with my mates back in the day and we'd always get hyped for a match like that. Now it's just hard to see Welsh rugby struggling so much. Jamie Roberts makes a point about the financial situation, but you can't help feeling like cutting back on professional regions is gonna hurt the sport even more 
. Do they not have any other solutions? I guess only time'll tell if Roberts' plan is gonna pay off. Fingers crossed for Welsh rugby! 
. I mean, think about it - it's not like they're just gonna leave all their top players in a rut, struggling to compete with four regions that aren't even doing great themselves 
. By cutting back, the WRU can focus on investing in grassroots development and giving talented young players a chance to shine 
. I get why some people are worried, but I think Jamie Roberts is onto something here 
It seems like they're just trying to cut costs and make an example out of one of the regions. But Jamie Roberts thinks he knows best, doesn't he? 
He's got a vested interest in making sure his friends on the board get to keep their jobs. And what about all these top players leaving? Is that really because they want to play for a team with more money or is it just a PR stunt? 
if u rnt willin to cut costs then maybe wru shd just let the other countries have all the money 
. We've seen tough times before, like when Wales got thrashed by South Africa recently 
, but it's all part of the journey to success. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this new approach will lead to a brighter future for Welsh rugby 
.
...wales rugby fans r goin thru so much rn 
...losing 73-0 is a record low point, but jamie roberts is tryna look on the bright side 
...consolidating the top and investin in grassroots dev seems like a solid plan 
️...it's gonna be tough, but bravo to him for bein brave enough to say it 
u'll get thru this, wales rugby fans 
I think Jamie Roberts might be onto something here 
That's gotta hurt. And with a record 73-0 defeat, it's clear that change is needed ASAP 
But, I'm with Jamie - we need to be brave and invest in grassroots development 
The WRU needs to focus on building a strong foundation for the sport to thrive 