Fewer teams than expected will participate in next season's Premiership after Llanelli's withdrawal from the competition.
The Welsh Rugby Union's original plan was to increase the amount of teams from 12 to 14, but after Llanelli's decision to go into hibernation for a season they have settled on 13.
WalesOnline has seen a letter sent to all Premiership and Championship clubs from WRU Community Director Geraint John.
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John was writing on behalf of the Competitions Committee and the Community Game Board regarding Llanelli RFC, and their decision to not participate in the 2023/24 Premiership season.
The letter has outlined three key points -
- This season's rules and regulations will continue to apply.
- Two teams will be promoted to the WRU Premiership from the WRU Championship as per "rules and regulations" at the end of the 2022/23 season.
- Season 2023/2024 WRU Indigo Premiership will, therefore, contain 13 teams.
Currently Pontypool and Neath look well set for promotion from the Championship into the Premiership but at least one team will be left disappointed.
In the Premiership each team receives £50,000 in central funding from the WRU, and the key question will be whether that money gets split between the clubs participating next season.
Talks are also taking place with regards creating an "elite" eight or six team league to sit between the professional game, and the Premiership.
Should it get the go ahead it will come under the Professional Rugby Board not the Community Game Board.
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