The future of the Welsh Premiership is very much back on the agenda, amid talk of an enhanced role for the competition and a possible reduction in the number of clubs. After a deeply disappointing season on the international front, both for Wayne Pivac’s senior side and the age-grade teams, there has been a lot of scrutiny on the development pathway.
There’s a recognition from the powers-that-be that it needs to be improved and it looks as though the semi-pro Premiership is going to play a key part in that. The WRU’s Performance Director Nigel Walker hinted as much last week when he said the league could offer the solution in providing more game-time for talented young players, such as those in the Wales U20s squad. You can read the full interview with Walker here.
It seems we are heading for something of a step-shift. Back in 2018, the Premiership was effectively downgraded in terms of its status. Following a review commissioned by the WRU, big changes were introduced. Regional A sides were set up, based on a view there was too big a gulf between the Premiership and the old PRO14.
