The State of Anglo-Welsh Rugby

An examination into the affairs of both English and Welsh rugby union and what is going on.

Over the history of rugby, Anglo-Welsh clashes have been sights to remember. With two great rugby nations going head to head in club rugby form, these matches always provide great entertainment. And that is no different heading into 2024. Showcased by Cardiff versus Harlequins over the weekend, the rugby on show was superb and created an excellent atmosphere. The financial situations of all English and Welsh sides in the Premiership and United Rugby Championship could be about to change this and it is uncertain what the future could hold for all fourteen sides within these two leagues. 

Three clubs in the English Premiership have folded in the last year: Wasps, Worcester Warriors and London Irish. The demise of these clubs have sparked major interest into the finances and capabilities of the remaining teams within England. Partly due to the Covid pandemic, English rugby clubs have had limited revenue and profits, resulting in a multitude of financial scares. Further teams in the form of Newcastle Falcons and Leicester Tigers also experience monetary issues with rumours of Newcastle being close to falling into administration. Leicester were subject to significant investment which also secured their short term future as a rugby club. 

The exodus of English players to different countries has been subject to intense scrutiny. Former England captain, Will Carling, described that playing for England was ‘no longer the pinnacle of their careers’, in The Telegraph last week. This bleak judgement of international rugby within England is somewhat correct. Financial stability for themselves and their families is a fundamental priority and the troubling future of English rugby is seen to be a deciding factor to move away. Henry Arundell and Jack Willis are among this group of players after both of their clubs were forced into administration. With rumours of current Northampton Saints captain, Lewis Ludlam, turning down future England caps in return for a move to Toulon, it does show English rugby to be on a downward trajectory.

However, the majority of players departing England were unlikely to be selected within national team squads. Sam and Joe Simmonds, Jack Nowell, Joe Marchant, Dan Robson and Harry Williams were all being overlooked for selection at the time of signing contracts abroad. It does show France to be an attractive destination to play rugby with the weather and monetary benefits being an enchanting opportunity. 

Across the River Severn, Welsh clubs face a similarly troubling future. The WRU announced huge budget cuts to teams which had significant ramifications for players. Last season, players were unable to sign new contracts due to clubs not knowing whether they had the capabilities to afford them for further years. As a result, many players looked to different leagues and countries to secure financial stability. Most notably Joe Hawkins, Liam Williams and Will Rowlands left for pastures new and more stars are also on the way out of the door. Seasoned internationals Tomos Williams and George North are joining Gloucester and Provence respectively. With Rio Dyer and Mason Grady receiving strong interest from the Premiership, the Welsh teams in the URC could be without their biggest stars which would be detrimental for Welsh Rugby Union. 

Both unions’ financial state of affairs portray a devastating picture that could be about to worsen dramatically. Moreover, the shock announcement of Welsh flyer Louis Rees Zammit’s move to the NFL from Gloucester goes to prove this further. His departure does beg the question that a move to an entirely different sport is more appealing than playing within the world of rugby. The history of rugby players converting to American football players is small but there has been a lack of success for these players. Christian Wade and Christian Scotland-Williamson both tried to gain spot’s in starting rosters after departing rugby but both failed in their goals. Both did return to rugby but neither have regained the form that they possessed before their move abroad. Rees-Zammit’s move does appear to be slightly different due to his age at twenty two years old, which gives him a lot of time to return to rugby if he wishes. 

A solution to these issues could be a new Anglo-Welsh league or even the return of the Anglo-Welsh Cup. A new league format would be tricky to establish but its benefits could be unprecedented. Best shown by Cardiff versus Harlequins in the European Rugby Champions Cup, matches have the ability to be more thrilling for supporters. Also, greater attendances at matches could be achieved. There was a sell out crowd at the Cardiff Arms Park and this could help garner more finances in a bid to improve the club’s finances. Whilst Harlequins did beat Cardiff considerably by a scoreline of fifty four points to fifteen, an exciting brand of attacking rugby was played and all teams in this potential league could put up effective and enthralling performances. 

The financial futures of the English and Welsh sides are cause of concern within the professional environment of rugby union. The state of Anglo-Welsh rugby currently is in a precarious position and with unknowns surrounding the futures of players, it could have direct impacts on the performance of each national team. The increased departures of major players to other clubs offering higher wages and even to different sports does present rugby in these two nations to be a darkening atmosphere. Whilst there are issues, solutions are available and it is up to each respective union in charge of governing the sport to improve the state of affairs or face the consequences.