Welsh Rugby to Launch New Super Rygbi Cymru League

Welsh rugby is set for a major transformation with the launch of the 10-team Super Rygbi Cymru (SRC) this September. This new league aims to bridge the gap between academy and regional rugby, marking the most significant change since regional rugby was introduced in 2003.

The 10 licensed clubs will shift from the community game to align more closely with the professional tier. The inaugural season kicks off on September 14 and features 18 home-and-away fixtures, followed by three play-off rounds and a Grand Final. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of 23 matches, including four cup games during the Guinness Six Nations window.

Opening fixtures include Carmarthen Quins vs Swansea and Pontypool vs Llandovery, the last winners of the Indigo Premiership and WRU Premiership Cup.

A unique feature is the SRC Challenge Shield, akin to New Zealand’s Ranfurly Shield. Llandovery will be the initial holders, defending it in every home game during the regular season.

WRU Head of Player Development, John Alder, emphasized the competition’s goal to offer better opportunities for academy and pathway players, as well as those released by regional clubs. The league aims to elevate standards and create a more competitive and sustainable domestic rugby environment.

The SRC season, aligned with the professional game calendar, includes breaks during the autumn and Six Nations windows. The regular season ends in April, followed by the post-season finals and the Grand Final in mid-May.

The SRC governance committee will oversee the competition, ensuring adherence to regulations and integrity. A salary cap of £150,000 for a squad of 32 players is set, with some exemptions to support player retention within Wales.

The Super Rygbi Cymru promises a vibrant and dynamic new era for Welsh rugby, enhancing the pathway for players aspiring to reach the professional level and beyond.

Find out more about Super Rugbi Cymru by clicking here.