WRU loses £18m and says four regions unsustainable

The Welsh Rugby Union blames rising energy and staffing costs combined with falling ticket sales for a dramatic drop in its finances. Extra internationals failed to deliver the WRU the expected financial boost in 2025-26 The Welsh Rugby Union has spelled out the "tough" economic state of the game in Wales – despite suggesting its financial position was "pretty good" just five months ago. The governing body has announced a significant decline in its finances, saying it has posted an £18m loss for the financial year to June 2026 – compared to a £7.2m loss the previous year. Financial boss Gavin Marshall admitted the figures were disappointing and came despite turnover rising £10m to £116.2m.

Just five months ago, new chief financial and operating officer Marshall claimed the WRU's finances were in a "pretty good position". But it says that rising energy and staffing costs, combined with falling ticket sales and reduced fan spend, were to blame for the dramatic fall. The union says it is already predicting a similar loss next year, and said the figures back up its case that four professional regions are no longer sustainable. WRU's £18m loss: Is Welsh rugby living beyond its means? The financial performance of the WRU, on the back of the controversial decision to cut the number of regions from four