Dragons chairman David Buttress has criticised calls for reducing the number of rugby regions in Wales, describing them as having a “reductive mindset”.
Just Eat’s former CEO believes the game has significant commercial and global reach potential. However, this is being hampered by “old-fashioned and risk-averse” leadership of the game.
Buttress also suggested that the time is not right to reduce the number of pro teams without first setting out a new strategy for the game, which should be underpinned by Wales’ ultimate aim of winning a Rugby World Cup.
The four regions have been heavily reliant on benefactors to remain solvent.
They will continue to be under a new funding deal, which will significantly reduce player budgets.
With the regions facing tough commercial conditions, some have called for a reduction in their number.
However, Buttress suggested this would be folly without first developing a new strategy for the game.
He also revealed that a deal was close on taking the Dragons out of WRU majority ownership, a condition of a yet-to-be-signed-off new six-year funding deal.
The Dragons chairman also suggested that rugby in Wales has lacked vision and criticised the governance and leadership of the WRU.
Buttress said that Welsh rugby needs a brave new CEO who can help rebuild a culture that everyone can be proud of.
Asked whether he would be interested in the role, he said he would not.
»David Buttress criticises calls for reducing the number of rugby regions in Wales«
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