In a highly anticipated update from the Welsh Rugby Union, details of their new tournament, Super Rygbi Cymru, have finally been confirmed. This announcement is part of a significant restructuring initiative that will bring about substantial changes to the Welsh rugby landscape.
Super Rygbi Cymru will replace the Indigo Premiership, featuring a 10-team elite competition aimed at collaborating with the four professional teams to nurture the development of young players. The tournament is scheduled to commence in September, marking the most substantial transformation in Welsh rugby in over two decades.
As part of the announcement, the full fixtures for the upcoming season have been released. The competition will be divided into three blocks, with the first starting in September and concluding ahead of the autumn internationals. A second block will run from late November through January, and the final block, along with post-season matches, will take place from late March until mid-May. Additionally, the play-offs will feature a Wild Card finals format, with the winners advancing to the quarter-finals.
To add excitement and competitiveness to the tournament, the WRU has introduced the ‘SRC Challenger Shield’, which functions similarly to New Zealand’s Ranfurly Shield. The Shield holder will have to defend it in every home game during the regular league season. Alongside the Challenger Shield, the Super Rygbi Cymru Trophy and the Super Rygbi Cymru Cup will also be up for grabs in the upcoming season.
In addition, the Super Rygbi Cup will be introduced during the Six Nations, featuring four rounds of fixtures and a final. This format will consist of two pools of five clubs, with each club playing two home and away matches, culminating in a pool winner’s final.
The new competition also incorporates a ‘salary cap’ system, allowing clubs to spend up to £150,000 on a squad of 32 players. Additionally, the WRU will provide £105,000 to each club, with requirements for match-funding and minimum operating expectations. Notably, the process of allocating Academy players to affiliate clubs for the upcoming season is already underway. This allocation is based on various factors, including a player’s origin, junior rugby background, and specific needs and opportunities.
John Alder, Head of Player Development at the WRU, expressed excitement about the new competition, emphasizing its role as a breeding ground for ambitious players, paving the way for their progression into regional clubs, the URC, and national teams.
The collaborative system between the regional clubs and their affiliate clubs aims to enhance professionalism, competitiveness, and ambition, not only for players but also for the clubs and their fans. Through this new framework, the WRU is determined to create an environment where seasoned semi-pro players can mentor and guide young talent, providing a pathway for development and progression.
The vision is clear – to create an intense, competitive, and professional environment that elevates the standard and aspirations of rugby players in Wales. With the stage set for the new competition, the Welsh Rugby Union anticipates an exciting and promising future for Super Rygbi Cymru.
Source: Rugby Journal – News from Authoritative Sources