WRU reports £18m loss as it presses case for cutting a region

The Welsh Rugby Union has reported an £18m loss for the financial year ending in June 2026, more than double the £7.2m deficit a year earlier, according to BBC Sport. The governing body says the deterioration strengthens its argument that Wales cannot sustainably fund four professional regions, as it proceeds with a reduction to three.

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Turnover increased by £10m to £116.2m, but that growth did not prevent a deeper loss. Chief financial and operating officer Gavin Marshall acknowledged the disappointing result and said the executive team was accountable. The union blamed higher energy and staffing costs, weaker ticket sales and lower spending by supporters. Accounts have already been shared with clubs and are expected to be filed with Companies House on Friday, BBC Sport reported.

Marshall outlined a gap between the money available for professional rugby and current spending. He said stadium costs of £26m, national-team costs of £20m, loan interest of £3m and community funding of £4m left about £20m to invest in the professional game. The union is currently providing £26m across its four clubs. Ospreys and Scarlets are competing for one west Wales regional licence; the BBC said both had been approached for comment.

International match revenue also fell short of the boost that extra fixtures might have delivered. The WRU hosted seven men's internationals, compared with five in the previous year, yet match income rose by only £2m. Marshall attributed that limited increase to lower average ticket prices, some smaller crowds and economic pressure on consumer spending. The men's national team accounts for almost half of the union's income, according to the report.

The union is also continuing to support Cardiff, which lost £1.2m during the financial year. It took over the region in April 2025, and a subsequent deal with Ospreys owners Y11 Sport & Media collapsed. Marshall said Cardiff would be offered for sale again once the restructuring was complete, arguing that greater certainty would help the WRU secure an appropriate buyer and value.

The figures will face scrutiny from member clubs at next month's annual general meeting. The WRU is already forecasting an operating loss of £16m for the next financial year. Marshall said revenue growth needed to be accompanied by tighter management of costs and investment, while the union maintained its commitment to funding community rugby.