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Jobs losses at the WRU as it publishes new strategy for the game

Funding for part of the current hub officer' programme has been discontinued after months of uncertainty

WRU CEO Abi Tierney(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

The Welsh Rugby Union has announced there are set to be job losses following the launch of the five-year 'One Wales' strategy it says will transform the game.

The WRU hope the restructuring will save £5m per year and ensure its systems and structures support the new 'One Wales' strategy - which was initially promised last year - in a "manner befitting of a £100m-a-year business".

Part of the transformation concerns better business - with the WRU set to discontinue part of the existing 'Hub Officer' programme - while they have also promised changes for the professional and grassroots game.

The current 'hub officer' programme sees individuals who are part-funded by the WRU and educational establishments deliver rugby activities to young people across Wales.

The current programme will be restructured to increase coverage, with current funding discontinued in key areas. It will be up to schools to decide how they reallocate the investment into rugby.

The new Professional Rugby Agreement with the four pro teams has been agreed in principle but is yet to be ratified at board level. WRU chief executive Abi Tierney says she is confident it will be signed off soon despite this week's collapse of Cardiff Rugby that has seen the union step in to take control.

In a statement, the WRU claim that the changes will put the governing body into a sustainable financial position - with £5m in annual savings and efficiencies said to have been identified. However, as part of the discontinuation of the programme, it does mean that a small number of roles, said to be fewer than 20, are at risk of redundancy.

The WRU will enter a period of consultation with staff impacted.