Nigel Owens: My Two Wishes for Welsh Rugby in 2026 and the Mistake Already Made
As the new year dawns, it's only natural to ponder the future of Welsh rugby, which is poised to face pivotal decisions in 2026. These choices will significantly impact the sport's trajectory. Fans, decision-makers, and players alike have their own hopes and expectations for the upcoming year.
On a personal note, I have my own wishes for Welsh rugby. One of my concerns revolves around the derby matches we witnessed over the Christmas period. While they were enjoyable, they didn't quite match the intensity of past derbies.
I recall refereeing matches in front of 21,000 spectators at the Liberty Stadium or 15,000 at Parc y Scarlets. The Cardiff Blues vs. Ospreys clash at the City Stadium, attended by 26,000 fans, and the packed Rodney Parade, creating a hostile atmosphere for visiting teams and officials, were truly special.
Those derbies were intense, featuring top-quality international players like Mike Phillips, James Hook, Gavin Henson, Jon Fox, and the crowd favorite, Shane Williams. They were full-on encounters, brimming with top-tier international talent.
However, I believe the intensity and skill haven't been as prominent in recent times, which may reflect the regions' performance in the URC and European competitions. While we still have quality star players, their numbers have decreased over the years.
Imagine the derbies if we had players from across the border, like the two or three quality players in Exeter or Bristol's Louis Rees-Zammit. The intensity would soar, and the stadiums would be sold out well in advance.
Moving forward, I'd like to see better crowds and a more vibrant atmosphere at stadiums. However, I fear this may be a tall order in the current URC format.
While we've welcomed South African sides packed with World Cup winners, the traveling support isn't as robust as in the Top 14 or England. Even the big guns like Munster and Leinster don't have a significant traveling support in the URC, which is a shame.
To improve the situation, I believe stability is key. An agreement among all stakeholders is essential to focus on matters on the field and increase attendance. Our regions need to succeed, and that means featuring our best players.
This is why I strongly supported the 60-plus cap rule. I believe it was a mistake to reduce it to 25. I understand the allure of playing in quality games and earning substantial money, but unless we keep our big names and stars in Wales, people won't fill the stadiums.
In the past, crowds were larger because kids wanted to see heroes like James Hook, Sam Warburton, and Shane Williams. If we don't have these players on the field, the next generation won't be motivated to attend matches.
Therefore, my primary wish for 2026 is to address the uncertainty surrounding Welsh rugby and the regional game's future. It's crucial to resolve this issue, as it's detrimental to everyone involved.
Recent developments, such as our two captains and best players joining Gloucester, highlight the problem. People will travel to Gloucester to watch players like Jac Morgan instead of supporting their local Welsh rugby club. This situation must be addressed this year, and we should be cautious about eliminating the 25-cap rule, as it could lead to a decline in the domestic game, similar to Argentina's situation.
I believe this rule change could result in our best players playing abroad while the domestic game becomes a local club affair. It's essential to consider the impact on crowds and young players' interest in rugby.
We're already witnessing Welsh kids leaving for scholarships and playing for clubs like Bristol, Exeter, and Leeds at a young age, which can make them England-qualified. If Welsh rugby continues to struggle and the national team keeps losing, some players might opt to play for another country, which is deeply saddening.
As we approach a crossroads, it's clear that both the game's officiating and the regional game's future require attention. By addressing these issues, we can ensure a brighter future for Welsh rugby in 2026 and beyond.
