The Dragons CEO has spoken to fans amid uncertainty regarding the WRU’s proposed plan to cut a region
Dragons chief executive Rhys Blumberg has insisted the region has a “solid foundation” and says the Welsh Rugby Union “desperately need us for future plans” amid ongoing uncertainty in Welsh professional rugby.
With the WRU intent on reducing the number of professional sides from four to three, with one team earmarked for east Wales, questions have swirled around the long-term future of the Dragons RFC.
But speaking at a supporters’ meeting this week, Blumberg moved to reassure fans that the region is stable and planning for the future.
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“There is a lot going on with the other teams but we’re still in the background poking the bear around what the next five or 10 years looks like for the Dragons,” he said, per the BBC.
“It’s not panic stations because we have PRA locked in with a five-year term and know our funding for the next two years. We are recruiting and retaining players on a budget we know we have got under PRA25.”
Dragons, along with Cardiff, signed the new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA25) last year, while Ospreys and Scarlets refused.
Under the agreement, there is a two-year notice period required should the WRU wish to terminate the deal, which would need to be served by 1 June.
Blumberg added: “The Union desperately need us to be stable and involved in the future plans. We have a solid foundation and they don’t want us to go off track.”
The region is also pressing ahead with ambitious off-field developments at Rodney Parade.
Talks are ongoing with Newport Council and the Welsh Government over proposals for a full-size 4G pitch with a 2,000-seat stand, as well as padel courts and a new clubhouse as part of a wider redevelopment of the site.
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Meanwhile, Blumberg confirmed Dragons would also work with football neighbours Newport County to ensure they remain at Rodney Parade, even if the Exiles suffer relegation from the Football League.
County, who have played at Rodney Parade since 2012, are currently battling at the foot of League Two.
While there is no clause to reduce rent in the event of relegation, Blumberg said Dragons would look at ways to ease the burden commercially if required.
“Legally Newport County are tied in long-term [but] it would have an impact,” he said.
“They won’t go anywhere, they will still play here, but it would just be about how we operate their games and how it works commercially.”