362:
78:
181:
266:
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1119:, traditionally a heartland of Rugby, has been without a representative team. This has led to a huge part of the country being left disenfranchised from top level rugby. There have been occasional calls to resurrect the franchise or establish a new Valleys professional team as a fifth region. Valleys Rugby was established as an attempt to achieve this aim, with a new side based in
839:
that a consensus had been reached between them and the clubs to implement a five team regional structure. The structure of the teams had been decided with
Cardiff and Llanelli each having a region whilst the remaining 6 clubs each held 50% of a region. However further meetings were scheduled to discuss outstanding issues.
496:, a regional franchise team in his native New Zealand. Henry's proposal was for the creation of four sides based in West Wales, South East Wales, the South Wales Valleys and Gwent. All players would be under contract to the Welsh Rugby Union, who would decide which players would play for which region.
1146:, and the rest of the Welsh Rugby Union pyramid, and Rugby clubs in the north act as 'feeder' clubs to RGC 1404 in much the same way as the professional regions have their own feeder clubs among the semi-professional Welsh sides. Thus, although not a full-time professional side, RGC 1404 operate as a
969:
Llanelli
Scarlets and Neath-Swansea Ospreys dropped their geographical location in their name to become Scarlets and Ospreys respectively whilst Gwent Dragons added "Newport" to their name as Ebbw Vale RFC dropped out and were replaced by the WRU. More recently, the Newport Gwent Dragons dropped both
531:
At a meeting held between the WRU and the eight
Premier League clubs on 5 December 2002, Terry Cobner, the WRU director of rugby, and David Moffett outlined plans for a regional system similar to that used by the Irish Rugby Football Union. The only proposal offered to the clubs was for four regional
514:
In
September 2002, the WRU and the clubs that made up the Premiership agreed to discuss and decide on a future structure for the game. Two representatives from the clubs and two from the WRU would discuss all possible options, including making modifications to the existing club structure, provincial
479:
Concerns had been raised about the number of clubs playing at the top level, with regard to Wales not producing enough good-quality players to sustain nine clubs. Good quality players who played for clubs that failed to qualify for
Heineken Cup rugby missed out on the experience of playing in such a
862:
On 1 April 2003, David
Moffett announced that the clubs and Union had come to an agreement to implement the five regional teams, which had been approved by the WRU Board of Directors. The details were submitted to the Heineken Cup organisers, ERC, by the 2 April deadline, and the process of setting
830:
Caerphilly RFC did not oppose the plan, despite not having a role to play in a franchise. However
Cardiff RFC and Llanelli RFC were opposed to this structure, stating that it "was not in the best interests of Welsh rugby". Despite Llanelli's intention to pursue legal action against the Union if the
838:
On 19 March, Llanelli RFC issued legal proceedings against the WRU, claiming that the Union were acting unlawfully in breaching an agreement between the clubs and the Union that was signed six years previously and were also in breach of
European competition law. Three days later, the WRU announced
1156:
Disagreements between the regional teams and the WRU during the 2013–14 season led to questions as to whether the existing regions would continue to play in the Pro12 in 2014–15, with the regions threatening to join the
English premiership. The WRU stated it would consider setting up new regional
834:
All 239 member clubs of the Union had a vote of equal weighting, with a simple majority required for the changes to be implemented. In a bid to get some of the non-Premier League clubs to support the changes, the Union announced that the
Premier League would be expanded to 16 clubs under the new
475:
Before regions were introduced to rugby union in Wales, there were nine clubs that played in the Welsh Premiership, the top-level of domestic club rugby in Wales. Since 2001, all of the teams also competed in the Celtic League competition, a cross-border competition involving Welsh, Scottish and
1068:
While average attendances at regional matches are generally higher than those at any one club had been before regionalisation, the total numbers attending top-flight Rugby in Wales have remained relatively stable, or even declined since 2003 due to the smaller number of teams and matches. While
757:
The clubs were unable to agree on which plan they wished to submit as their preferred alternative to the WRU's provincial system. Llanelli were keen to stand-alone, citing their previous record in European competition while Neath were reluctant to form a partnership with Swansea, having already
1056:
The regions have been reasonably successful in the Pro12 (renamed Pro14 from 2017 to 2021), with Welsh teams winning on 5 separate occasions. The Ospreys are the most successful Welsh team in the history of the league with four titles, a record that was eventually shared and then surpassed by
1096:
Financial stability was one of the motivations for the establishment of the regions, yet the regions have remained financially unstable ever since their establishment as crowds and TV revenue have failed to materialise, with the Celtic Warriors franchise in particular lasting only one year.
761:
By the end of January 2003, six of the nine clubs in the Welsh Premiership agreed on a plan that would see four regional franchises, with each club holding 50% of a franchise. Unless otherwise agreed, matches would be equally split between venues of both clubs. The proposed franchises were:
1129:
was nominally part of the Scarlets' region at the introduction of regional rugby. Despite containing a significant part of the Welsh population, rugby has traditionally been less well established in the north. As a means to develop rugby in the area, the WRU established
480:
tournament. In addition, the club game in Wales had struggled to cope financially since Rugby Union turned professional in 1995. Clubs struggled for support, with reigning champions Swansea attracting a crowd of just 932 for a home game against Pontypridd in late 2001.
492:, then coach of the national Wales side, in December 2001 as he had concerns that the current club system was causing harm to the performance of the national team. Prior to joining Wales, Henry had first-hand experience of a regional structure as coach of the
1081:. This may be due to a failure of the regional sides to properly embrace the regional concept, with some being perceived as little more than extensions of former club sides unlikely to gain support among followers of former rivals. Supporters of
532:
sides, all of which would be under the control of the Welsh Rugby Union with the existing clubs acting as feeder clubs providing their best players to the regions. The locations of the four regions, and the proposed feeder clubs were as follows:
510:
Six of the clubs that made up the Welsh Premiership suggested that they compete in a reduced size Premier League. The proposal of a six club league was agreed with in principle by the WRU management but the WRU membership rejected the proposal.
1123:. However, any fifth region would require additional funding or reduce the funding available to the remaining regions from the WRU and TV rights, as well as reducing their number of feeder clubs and potentially drawing away their support.
1093:. This has led to occasional calls either for the establishment of new regions to better represent those sides who feel unrepresented under the current system, or for the scrapping of the regions and a return to a club-based system.
611:
The proposal was rejected by the Premier League clubs, who had expected five 'superclubs' to be formed made up of partnerships between existing clubs. Two plans had been drawn up with the partnerships arranged as follows:
1152:
fifth region: unlike the other teams at their level they are not themselves a feeder club to any of the professional regions. RGC 1404 have their own academy and have contributed players to the national U-20 side.
454:, and finished fourth the next season; however, the team finished in the bottom three in each of the next four seasons. In 2007, they reached the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup, losing to French side
1307:
1111:
The future of regional rugby in Wales will likely depend on the sporting and financial success or failure of the existing regional franchises as well as changes in the wider context of European club rugby.
518:
Steve Hansen favoured option was for four regional teams, with 120 of Wales' top players and eight coaches under contract to the WRU, and spread through the teams as the WRU saw fit. At the end of October,
1274:
859:(WRU), the governing body of the sport in Wales, over many issues, including the forming of partnerships, funding levels, loss of status and both the number and locations of regional teams.
970:
of their regional identifiers after the 2016–17 season, becoming simply Dragons. This change of identity coincided with the WRU acquiring Newport RFC's 50% stake in the regional side.
835:
proposal, which would result in a number of teams being promoted from the division below. The result of the vote was heavily in favour of the changes, with just seven votes against.
476:
Irish teams. Five Welsh clubs were also selected to take part in the Heineken Cup competition, which feature clubs from France, England and Italy in addition to the Celtic nations.
1053:
in 2005, 2008, 2012, and 2019, as well as winning the championship for a fourth time in 2013 and a fifth time in 2021. Some have attributed this success to the regional concept.
156:
Cardiff Rugby compete in the United Rugby Championship, which includes teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and South Africa. In addition, Cardiff Blues competed in the
447:
308:
1065:, with no team getting further than the semi-finals. A desire for success in Europe had been one of the principal reasons for setting up the regions in the first place.
1157:
teams to play in the Pro12 and European competitions should this happen. This ultimately didn't happen however following the signing of a new participation agreement.
56:
The regions were established for the start of the 2003/04 rugby union season. From this date, Wales was represented by a smaller number of regional teams in both the
1328:
1882:
1069:
average attendances at all the Welsh regions have steadily grown since 2003 and are generally higher than the Scottish and Italian teams with whom they share the
2080:
1977:
1972:
423:
with a total population approaching 600,000 and they are affiliated with a number of semi-professional and amateur clubs throughout the area, including
319:, and original founding clubs Neath and Swansea. The regional area represented by the team has widely become known for rugby purposes as 'Ospreylia'.
2182:
2055:
1951:
1946:
1161:
1106:
217:(WRU). The Scarlets are affiliated with a number of semi-professional and amateur clubs throughout the area, including Welsh Premier Division sides
349:
tournament, having won the competition four times. They also became the first and only Welsh regional team to beat a major touring side, defeating
119:. From 2003 to 2021 the club were known as the Cardiff Blues before changing their name to Cardiff Rugby prior to the start of the 2021-22 season.
311:, that began in 2003. They are also affiliated with a number of local semi-professional and amateur clubs, including Welsh Premier Division sides
848:
1685:
2203:
1749:
458:
46–29. In 2011, they reached the semi-finals of the Anglo-Welsh Cup, losing to Gloucester. They are yet to make the knock-out stage of the
1598:
2085:
966:
was acquired and liquidated by the WRU at the end of the 2003–04 season, leaving four Welsh regional sides and redrawn catchment areas.
350:
210:
from the 2014–15 season). The club was originally named the Llanelli Scarlets but was renamed at the start of the 2008–09 rugby season.
169:
2157:
1875:
338:. Ospreys currently play in a black home strip, while the away strip is white and orange. The Ospreys logo consists of an image of an
1189:
1037:
In 2008, Regional Rugby Wales was established as the association of the four regional teams. It was renamed Pro Rugby Wales in 2014.
1936:
1363:
361:
1941:
499:
Henry resigned from his post as Wales coach in February 2002, before any progress had been made with the plans. His replacement,
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404:
400:
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203:
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61:
1669:
Howell, Andy (2003-04-02). "At last, it's a done deal; it will be five superteams next season... yes honestly really".
2177:
1289:
1213:
523:
was appointed Group Chief Executive of the Welsh Rugby Union, and he was tasked with reducing the debt of the Union.
165:
1253:
1231:
1290:
Ospreys in name change: IN A bold move the Neath-Swansea Ospreys will be known as just The Ospreys from next season
254:
17:
2147:
2045:
451:
396:
292:
199:
50:
2137:
2111:
1050:
77:
1956:
1449:
Stephens, Hugh (2002-12-06). "RUGBY UNION: MOFFETT'S MIX 'N MATCH; Clubs staggered by plan for four regions".
1164:, led by a Professional Rugby Board, to start discussions of reforming salaries and the regional club system.
2060:
1342:
1143:
2070:
2007:
1024:
996:
933:
889:
455:
372:
280:
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213:
The Llanelli Scarlets were founded in 2003, as one of the five (now four) regional teams created by the
46:
38:
2172:
1891:
504:
222:
1411:
1707:"Welsh Rugby Comment: What are the Welsh regions for? | Live Rugby Features | ESPN Scrum"
1116:
493:
323:
273:
1753:
1625:"Scarlets launch legal action against WRU | Live Rugby imported (unsorted) | ESPN Scrum"
138:. There are 75 associate clubs within this wider Cardiff Rugby region including semi professional
2152:
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1464:
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180:
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1029:
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238:
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150:
127:
123:
112:
85:
831:
plans went ahead, an Extraordinary General Meeting of the WRU was scheduled for 23 February.
2167:
2090:
1073:, they are far behind those at the Irish teams and are generally lower than in the English
2121:
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2018:
1416:
1201:
1181:
963:
905:
847:
316:
246:
195:
184:
157:
1367:
959:
A diagram showing the representation of the regions throughout Wales as they exist today
2116:
1843:
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1058:
914:
807:
737:
720:
666:
642:
589:
575:
432:
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376:
284:
226:
139:
131:
104:
1706:
2197:
1997:
1774:
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1012:
938:
921:
821:
749:
678:
593:
520:
436:
424:
416:
408:
388:
331:
100:
81:
42:
1624:
265:
1819:"Heineken Cup row: Welsh regions opt for Premiership over their union | Sport"
989:
910:
882:
793:
779:
725:
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654:
635:
571:
549:
500:
489:
312:
230:
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207:
164:
which they won by beating Gloucester in the final 31–30. They previously won the
2002:
1844:"Newsroom | Welsh Rugby Union | Official Website : WRU Statement"
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1090:
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147:
143:
116:
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758:
agreed in principle to pool resources with Bridgend for European competition.
412:
172:. For the 2021-22 season, Cardiff will compete in the European Champions Cup.
503:, also had coaching experience with a regional franchise in New Zealand, the
1142:. Promotion and relegation is not possible between the top northern league,
1001:
894:
787:
713:
649:
557:
300:
122:
Cardiff Rugby are responsible for developing rugby in the city of Cardiff,
1729:"Special report: The story of Welsh rugby attendances in the regional era"
1686:"Rugby Wales hails Six Nations squad as proof of regional rugby's success"
1434:
Thomas, Simon (2001-12-13). "Master Plan:Henry's Vision for the Regions".
1217:
64:
competitions, where previously the top club sides were entered into them.
2012:
1750:"Valleys Rugby - an ambition too small? | News | Valleys Rugby"
1148:
1131:
984:
877:
335:
234:
191:
34:
1396:
Roberts, Simon (2002-09-15). "It's the last chance saloon for the WRU".
855:
The introduction followed much controversy, as clubs disagreed with the
603:
Fed from all North Wales clubs (initially using players from the south)
407:. The region they represent covers an area of southeast Wales including
33:
is the top tier of professional Welsh club rugby and is composed of the
1860:
420:
327:
242:
92:
1775:"Damning report questions survival of Welsh rugby regions - BBC Sport"
1078:
345:
The Ospreys are the most successful Welsh team in the history of the
339:
1085:
for example may find it difficult to get behind their regional side
1045:
Since the regionalisation of professional Rugby Union in Wales, the
1134:
in 2008 as a north Wales representative development side, based in
1070:
954:
846:
360:
346:
264:
179:
135:
96:
76:
57:
450:, the team started life with a third-place finish in the 2003–04
229:. Through the 2007–08 season, they played most of their games at
1644:
1089:, who share colours, name and a stadium with traditional rivals
1864:
1796:
1160:
In 2018 and 2019 the Welsh Rugby Union launched plans labelled
863:
up companies to own the regions began. The five regions were:
330:, although some smaller profile games have been played at the
1308:"Rugby puts Ospreylia on the map - Rugby Columnists - Rugby"
1061:. However, the Welsh sides have made little impact in the
488:
A suggestion to move to a regional structure was made by
395:
and at other grounds around the region. They play in the
115:
and are owned by Cardiff Rugby Ltd, who also own and run
307:
combining to create a new merged entity, as part of the
1202:
https://cardiffblues.com/news/introducing-cardiff-rugby
1049:
has undoubtedly experienced great success, winning the
291:), formerly the Neath-Swansea Ospreys, compete in the
515:
rugby, franchises, superclubs and regional mergers.
2130:
2104:
2028:
1990:
1965:
1924:
1917:
1900:
448:
introduction of regional rugby union teams in Wales
18:
Introduction of regional rugby union teams in Wales
1540:
1538:
1391:
1389:
1387:
1385:
507:, and he also advocated the regional structure.
2122:Snelling Sevens (Welsh seven-a-side tournament)
1876:
1306:Updated 9:58am 2 November 2012 (2006-10-28).
1115:Since the demise of the Celtic Warriors, the
8:
1429:
1427:
1327:: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (
237:, but they have also played matches at the
1921:
1883:
1869:
1861:
27:Top tier of professional Welsh club rugby
1107:Project Reset (Welsh Rugby Union reform)
972:
865:
764:
692:
621:
534:
1364:"Newport Gwent Dragons: Club Directory"
1173:
1572:"Llanelli remain last regional hurdle"
1320:
1597:Clutton, Graham (February 24, 2003).
1214:"Cardiff Blues : Regional Clubs"
309:new regional structure of Welsh rugby
7:
2086:Glamorgan County Silver Ball Trophy
1412:"Welsh Rugby Union due an overhaul"
1727:Howell, Andy (24 September 2012).
1232:"Scarlets drop Llanelli from name"
446:Formed in 2003 as a result of the
25:
1491:"Clubs reject Moffett's proposal"
1254:"Llanelli open new home in style"
1138:. RGC 1404 currently play in the
299:. The team formed as a result of
160:and (for the 2017–18 season) the
1546:"Llanelli threaten legal action"
1465:"WRU drops provincial bombshell"
2096:Premiership Rugby Sevens Series
1192:from the original on 2021-03-01
257:, and opened in November 2008.
2029:Regional and club competitions
1817:Paul Rees (31 December 2013).
1234:. BBC Sport. 11 September 2008
1182:"Introducing... Cardiff Rugby"
322:Their main home ground is the
170:2009–10 European Challenge Cup
1:
1684:Star, Llanelli (2014-01-16).
387:and play their home games at
253:), was constructed in nearby
2204:Rugby union leagues in Wales
2041:European Rugby Challenge Cup
2036:European Rugby Champions Cup
1656:"Welsh rugby reaches accord"
1256:. BBC News. 15 November 2008
460:European Rugby Champions Cup
405:European Rugby Challenge Cup
401:European Rugby Champions Cup
297:European Rugby Champions Cup
204:European Rugby Champions Cup
162:European Rugby Challenge Cup
2158:Match of the Century (1905)
1599:"WRU vote for club mergers"
600:Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
564:Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff
117:Cardiff Rugby Football Club
2220:
1517:"Llanelli refuse to yield"
1296:, accessed 22 October 2020
1280:, accessed 22 October 2020
1104:
245:. The club's new stadium,
198:stadium. They play in the
2148:National Stadium, Cardiff
2046:United Rugby Championship
1957:British & Irish Lions
1343:"Ospreys 24-16 Australia"
767:
700:
695:
641:
624:
397:United Rugby Championship
293:United Rugby Championship
250:
200:United Rugby Championship
190:Their home ground of the
51:United Rugby Championship
2138:Welsh rugby union system
851:Original regions in 2003
1777:. Bbc.co.uk. 2012-11-07
582:Rodney Parade, Newport
546:Stradey Park, Llanelli
166:2008–09 Anglo-Welsh Cup
2061:Welsh Premier Division
1345:. BBC News. 2006-11-01
1144:WRU Division One North
1051:Six Nations Grand Slam
960:
852:
380:
369:
347:Celtic League or Pro12
288:
276:
187:
88:
2105:Previous competitions
2071:British and Irish Cup
1294:www.walesonline.co.uk
1278:www.walesonline.co.uk
958:
890:Neath-Swansea Ospreys
850:
471:Before regional rugby
456:ASM Clermont Auvergne
364:
268:
183:
80:
49:which compete in the
2173:London Welsh Amateur
2081:WRU National Leagues
1893:Rugby union in Wales
1795:Hernandez, Cynthia.
824:(Eugene Cross Park)
804:(Cardiff Arms Park)
505:Canterbury Crusaders
223:Carmarthen Quins RFC
206:(which replaced the
31:Welsh regional rugby
1603:The Daily Telegraph
1578:. February 20, 2003
1552:. February 20, 2003
1497:. December 10, 2002
1471:. February 20, 2003
1420:. 19 December 2001.
1220:on 20 October 2007.
1117:South Wales Valleys
383:) are owned by the
324:Swansea.com Stadium
274:Swansea.com Stadium
2153:Millennium Stadium
1842:WRU (2013-12-31).
1523:. January 31, 2003
961:
853:
538:Region's location
484:Region suggestions
370:
277:
188:
89:
2191:
2190:
2143:Cardiff Arms Park
2112:Celtic Cup (2003)
2076:WRU Challenge Cup
2066:Super Rygbi Cymru
1986:
1985:
1908:Welsh Rugby Union
1140:Welsh Premiership
1035:
1034:
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878:Llanelli Scarlets
857:Welsh Rugby Union
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607:
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385:Welsh Rugby Union
239:Racecourse Ground
215:Welsh Rugby Union
151:Welsh Premiership
128:Rhondda Cynon Taf
124:Vale of Glamorgan
113:Cardiff Arms Park
95:, the capital of
86:Cardiff Arms Park
16:(Redirected from
2211:
2168:London Welsh RFC
2131:Related articles
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1799:. Valleys Rugby
1797:"Valleys Rugby"
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1688:. Llanelli Star
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429:Caerphilly RFC
419:, Newport and
365:Tryscorer for
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1822:
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1790:
1779:. Retrieved
1769:
1758:. Retrieved
1754:the original
1744:
1733:. Retrieved
1722:
1711:. Retrieved
1709:. Espn.co.uk
1701:
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1679:
1671:Western Mail
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1629:. Retrieved
1619:
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1372:. Retrieved
1368:the original
1358:
1347:. Retrieved
1337:
1312:. Retrieved
1301:
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1292:14 May 2005
1285:
1277:
1270:
1258:. Retrieved
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1236:. Retrieved
1226:
1218:the original
1208:
1194:. Retrieved
1185:
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1125:
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1063:European Cup
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976:Region name
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869:Region name
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790:(The Gnoll)
780:Llanelli RFC
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1846:. Wru.co.uk
1627:. Scrum.com
1127:North Wales
1091:Cardiff RFC
1077:and French
1075:Premiership
1018:Cardiff RFC
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367:Dragons RFC
305:Swansea RFC
148:Cardiff RFC
144:Merthyr RFC
2183:WRU reform
2056:Celtic Cup
1850:2016-07-22
1828:2016-07-22
1803:2016-07-22
1781:2016-07-22
1760:2014-01-26
1735:2016-07-22
1713:2016-07-22
1692:2016-07-22
1631:2016-07-22
1451:The Mirror
1349:2012-11-02
1314:2012-11-02
1275:Rugby News
1196:2021-05-01
1168:References
1136:Colwyn Bay
1121:Pontypridd
413:Caerphilly
249:(English:
134:and south
111:) play at
1002:Neath RFC
895:Neath RFC
843:Agreement
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351:Australia
301:Neath RFC
289:Y Gweilch
255:Pemberton
91:Based in
2198:Category
2013:Scarlets
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1576:BBC News
1550:BBC News
1521:BBC News
1495:BBC News
1469:BBC News
1323:cite web
1190:Archived
1149:de facto
1132:RGC 1404
1059:Leinster
985:Scarlets
687:Option 2
616:Option 1
399:and the
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295:and the
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176:Scarlets
168:and the
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2008:Ospreys
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466:History
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