Ex-Wales skipper shares heartfelt response to WRU’s 'dire' new proposals

The Welsh Rugby Union recently announced its so-called 'optimal system' in a bid to revive the sport, with proposals to reduce the current four men’s regions to two. The consultation process is under way, with a final decision expected in October. If approved, it would mark the biggest change in Welsh rugby in more than 20 years.

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Owens welcomed new investment in the women’s game, but insisted it should not be tied to changes in the men’s structure.

"Well, it is a positive because there's extra investment," said Owens on the proposals for two new women’s teams. "But it should be happening anyway, not as part of a greater plan.

"Because what's right for the women's game may not be right for the men's game and vice versa.

"They should be standalone and the investment should be going in to create that depth for the professional teams in the women's game.

"It's just frustrating that this has come out at the nearest thing Wales are going to have to a home World Cup.

"They had a decent summer with their prep.

"They should be coming in here excited to be starting their World Cup against Scotland and we're talking about the nonsense off the field in Welsh rugby again.

"It's hugely frustrating with what's going on.

"I think the issue with all this is we're forgetting about the cultural element of it and what effect dropping to two teams is going to have on communities across Wales.

"No one's really listening to that.

"I hope this consultation is actually thorough and they listen to people, we get the right thing for Welsh rugby, not copy other teams and countries.

"It's a dire state at the moment.

"Change needs to happen, but it's got to happen for the best for Welsh rugby."