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Dragons Coach Filo Tiatia Backs WRU To Pick The Right Number

Filo Tiatia

Filo Tiatia

Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia has insisted he has faith in the Welsh Rugby Union to reach the right decision over the number of professional teams in Wales.

 

The Dragons may be the worst performing pro team over recent seasons - and are therefore highly vulnerable should the WRU decide on a three-team, or two-team future - but the New Zealander believes the governing body will make the right call.

The Professional Rugby Board were holding a meeting in Cardiff on Wednesday and an announcement could be made as early as next week.

Tiatia - who coached and played at the Ospreys - said: "The biggest thing is I know at the end of the day they'll make the right choice for what's right for Wales and the people in this country.

"But it's a decision that needs to be really thought through.

"I know they've gone through consultation and been really deliberate around listening.

"That's what they are saying to the people, but also how they move forward is really important."

The WRU has repeatedly stressed that the option of reducing the number of professional teams to two is still under active consideration, following the conclusion of its nationwide consultation.

The review, led by WRU director of rugby Dave Reddin, examined four potential models for the men’s professional game, including a controversial proposal to halve the current four-team system—Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, and Scarlets—to just two. 

The two-team structure was described as part of the organisation’s “optimal system” for long-term sustainability.

READ MORE: Filo Tiatia Insists Dragons Are Heading in the Right Direction as Glasgow Test Awaits

Despite widespread opposition from players, fans, and stakeholders, Reddin has stated that the governing body has not yet ruled out any options. 

Tiatia - whose Dragons team host Cardiff on Friday night - added: "It'll be interesting to see if the WRU decides if it's two teams.

"I definitely have an opinion about two teams. But it's important for the future of this game that they make the right decisions.”

Dragons and Wales forward Aaron Wainwright would be the most in-demand player at the club, should the WRU opt to leave Rodney Parade out in the cold.

The 28-year-old could choose to join another Welsh side, or move to England or France, but has admitted some tougher decisions may be in store for less experienced players among his squad.

Asked if he had heard players voice concerns they could soon be without a job, Wainwright said: "I haven't had those discussions, personally. 

"But yeah, if I was a younger player, I probably would be asking those questions. 

"And my answer to them would be, they probably won't be able to change what's going to happen. 

Dragons and Wales forward Aaron Wainwright. Pic: Alamy

"They just need to concentrate on training well and playing well and giving themselves the best chance of having a place in the team in the future. 

"I think they're going to be the guys in the hardest position, depending on whatever happens in the future. 

“But, like I said, if I was in that position, I'd be pushing myself in training and in games if selected, to make sure that I'm there or there abouts in the future."

 

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