The IRISH RUGBY thread

[trileacman]

Looks like Wales are dropping down to two professional teams

https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2025/0820/1529358-wru-defends-proposal-to-halve-number-of-pro-teams/

I think only having two teams is one of the reasons that Scotland struggled for so long.

Had 3 for the first 15 odd years of professionalism.

No harm but whilst this is a short-term solution for the Welsh, in the long-run, their finances are going to be pretty poor.

Rugby Union is really drowning with the weight of the professional game around it's neck. Australia, Super Rugby, Wasps, London Irish, Borders, Newcastle Falcons, the South African clubs that folded and now 2 professional Welsh teams. With the exception of the 3 southern Irish provinces and the French clubs, professional rugby clubs are in a financial mess.