Lib Dems call for “immediate protections and rescue package” to save Welsh Rugby

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have today condemned the Welsh Rugby Union’s plan to sell Cardiff to Y11 Sport & Media, warning that the move serves as a secret liquidation designed to reduce Wales’ professional regions from four to three. The party has submitted a motion in parliament calling for an immediate halt to the process.

The crisis has sparked strike threats and anger among supporters. Liberal Democrats say the WRU is treating clubs as purely commercial assets without recognising their importance to local communities. They are calling on the Government to implement an emergency rescue package to safeguard all four professional Welsh clubs, review WRU loan terms and Covid Loan repayments, and drive forward sustainability reforms that put fans at the forefront.

David Chadwick MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Wales, said:

“It is no surprise to anyone that the WRU’s systematic mismanagement of the Welsh game has led to this crisis. This was never inevitable; models in Ireland and New Zealand have shown that small nations can succeed.”

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to launch an immediate rescue package to protect all four professional Welsh clubs, review the terms of the WRU’s loans, including Covid Support Loans, and ensure Welsh rugby has a sustainable, long-term future.”

“But this support must be conditional on sustainability reforms that put fans and communities first. The Government needs to step up, as it has done for other sports, and develop a framework that futureproofs Welsh rugby for years to come.”

ENDS