The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has “lost the debate” over the future of the professional game, a group of politicians said.
Delyth Jewell MS wrote to WRU president Richard Collier-Keywood after attending a meeting of the Welsh Government’s Sport and Culture Committee last week.
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Committee chairman Jewell admitted Welsh rugby was in a “dangerous state” but urged the governing body to find alternatives or risk Welsh rugby “losing its soul”.
“No change initiative can be achieved without a consensus for change,” she wrote.
“It is clear that the EU does not have the consensus needed to move forward with the proposal to reduce the number of regional teams from four to three.”
Member clubs called a special WRU general meeting amid uncertainty over plans affecting Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets.
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The governing body’s plan to establish one club in the east, one in Cardiff and one in the west has sparked riots, protests and legal action.
WRU chief executive Abi Tierney admitted she “feels unsafe” at work due to social media abuse and Jewell said the committee recognized the “too harsh” criticism the WRU boss faced.
But Plaid Cymru MS added: “The WRU must recognize that it has lost the debate over the future of the professional game.
“We were shocked to hear your voice. [Collier-Keywood] Tell us you don’t have a backup plan if your current proposal doesn’t progress as planned.
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“If this is the case, this may represent a serious dereliction of duty. We urge you to find an alternative approach that will continue to stabilize the league’s finances and maintain confidence, while rebuilding trust with clubs and fans.”
Collier-Keewood admitted last week that governing bodies would struggle to get professional teams into their plans.
The WRU president, who was joined by community gaming director Geraint John and senior independent director Alison Thorne, insisted financial difficulties meant a three-team model was the only way forward for the game.
“The people of Wales have a deep sense of ownership, pride and emotional connection to the sport. This connection must be respected and nurtured,” Jewell wrote.
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“The league must not find itself winning votes but losing the soul of Welsh rugby.”
