Correct as of 4th of November 2025. Quite a spread! 1-5 and 6-9 showing a fairly clear grouping at this stage
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Sadly for Wales, I don’t think we’ve found rock bottom yet. Change takes time and the WRU have an awful lot of foundational systemic stuff to fix.
The US Eagles are looking up to you.
I dunno, new coach will help lots, and dropping a region I think a good thing too
I think the changes to the regions is set to happen by 2028. And whilst the WRU is trying to avoid a messy legal process, it seems inevitable as nobody will want to go quietly.
I sound terribly pessimistic. And I’m not. I’m pleased to see the WRU finally recognise that change is needed, mostly brought about by the downturn in results. But I suspect this process isn’t going to be quick, and maybe it shouldn’t be if it’s really getting the fundamental stuff right.2028 seems overly long to me. I’d be culling next season and being more decisive. I would get someone from the SH to look at the options, write a report by the new year, and have it implemented next season
There’s a lot of politics at play and I think the WRU are trying to take an approach where they are seen to be working with the regions to bring about change. Or it might be to give less ammunition for a legal challenge. :D
I’m surprised they decided to only drop down to 3 regions and not 2. In some ways it seems fairer in terms of spreading the pain around, and would focus our resources in having (hopefully) two very good regions.
Agreed. The Dragons haven’t added to Welsh Rugby since their inception I would argue. Perrenial bottom of the table battle. Still, as a Scot, 2 teams limits pro pools and makes us rely on French and English teams paying pro wages. I’d love a third team
You can’t forget we have Louis Rees-Zammit back with his top American Footie training ready to touchdown. At least a few rankings there!!
Ireland are in a transitional state with many new bodies coming in and a few older ones who are hanging on as long as they can… I think this ranking is very flattering for the current state of Ireland as things are.
The old guard who could make problems for the Boks and ABs are fading and the new blood are still finding their feet.
And if the last leinster vs munster clash tells us anything, its perhaps a reshuffle of the national team should be considered.
The Leinster academy will provide. I’ve seen it for too many years to not have faith in it now
Perhaps, but it also looks like munster have alot of talent to offer right now
