'Something has to change!' Wales' regional rugby coaches speak out as tipping point arrives

Welsh rugby bosses have called for change in how the professional game is run.

It comes at a time when the regions are enduring another tough season, which is at odds with the success of the national side during last year's Six Nations.

There are no Welsh sides in the knockout stages of the Champions Cup and they have lost all 11 games that they have played.

It paints a bleak picture of the game underneath Test level amid growing apathy amongst fans and a sense that things can't carry on like they are.

Dean Ryan, director of rugby at the Dragons - owned by the WRU - says a root and branch review of how the game is set up here is needed.

He adds that the five entities - the four regions and the national side - need to have a joint strategy for success.

“There are lots of ways to look at being more effective with the resources that we’ve got but that requires an overarching strategy that we’re all working towards," says Ryan.

“That’s not been the case. There are a number of working groups trying to find what those answers are but unless you have an overarching direction that binds all five entities together, it’s going to become very difficult.

“What we’ve got is a number of regions that are all trying to be successful in their own situations.

“We’ve got a relationship with a governing body that imparts most of the funding.

“If now, with the challenges we face, is the moment that aligns people then that would be a great outcome for Welsh rugby.”

Asked what specifically needs addressing, he added: “There are many things and I don’t think I’d do it justice to try and answer it here.

“Funding gets the headlines but I don’t think that’s the only part. The effective use of resources, the pathways to competitive experiences –