Willis Halaholo looks dejected during defeat to the Bulls

 Concerns have been raised over the future of rugby in Wales, with the Welsh Rugby Union's move to secure a commercial loan to help the regions survive the Covid-19 pandemic described as 'inexplicable'.



The national side has enjoyed a relatively successful period, winning two of the last three Six Nations championships and reaching the semi-final of a World Cup. However, the regions have not reached the post-season of their domestic league since the Scarlets were beaten finalists in 2018, the community WRU v NZ Rugby Game faces severe challenges and the women's game is in turmoil.The most recent weekend of action was concerning. The Ospreys, Cardiff and Scarlets - all returning to something near full strength - were beaten by the Sharks and the Bulls, who were without their Springbok stars, and a second-string Munster side.

Mark Evans, who has 17 years of experience as a CEO in rugby union and league with Saracens, Harlequins and Melbourne Storm, recently voiced his concerns on The Ruck podcast.


"I'm worried about it for a whole host of reasons - partly to do with the structure, the funding, the politics and the player pathways and development.

"I'm casting around for reasons to be cheerful and I'm really struggling. At the minute, it just looks all over the place.

"From friends down there - and I don't claim to know the Welsh scene intimately these days - there doesn't seem to be any real strategy behind it that everyone can agree on.

"In a small country - and Wales sometimes doesn't recognise what a small country it is economically as much as anything - you've all got to be on the same page right through the whole sport.

"If you're not - and All Blacks Welsh rugby is renowned for its politicking - then you're not going to be very successful."

Like most walks of life, Welsh rugby suffered financially during the pandemic.

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