Harrison Keddie (Dragons), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Josh Turnbull (Cardiff), Ryan Elias (Scarlets) at the start of this year’s United Rugby Championship (URC).
Ospreys chief executive Nick Garcia says Welsh rugby needs a long-term plan to be implemented this summer.
Welsh rugby has endured a terrible season with the national team winning just one game in the Six Nations.
The regions have struggled in Europe and the inaugural season of the United Rugby Championship.
“I am very keen to put a plan in place this summer so that we can go forward next season with a clear direction,” said Garcia.
Wales lost to Italy in the Six Nations, where they finished fifth, while the four regions have failed to win in European competition and are currently languishing in the bottom half of the league.
Garcia sits on the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) along with representatives from the other three regions and Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).
The PRB runs the professional game in Wales and Garcia knows a long-term plan needs to be put in place.
“It’s almost the most important thing on our to-do list right now,” Garcia said Radio Wales Sport.
“There are some smart people in the room who are figuring that out and working with Simon Muderack, David Buttress, Alun Jones and Steve Phillips and all these guys, we have to focus on executing that plan.
“I’ve only been here five minutes but it’s worth taking the time to get it right because the legacy will last for generations if we get it right.
“If we don’t get it right, we’ll be back here in two years with the same problems.
“It’s no secret that leading the game at all levels, and there’s a lot of talk about it in Wales, is a challenge at the moment and we can solve that.
“We are working hard with the leaders of the other regions and the WRU, spending a lot of time and making progress.
“There isn’t a scenario where you inject another country’s model into Welsh rugby because it has its own ecosystem and structure.
“You have to find the right model for Welsh rugby and that’s why it takes a bit of time.”
Ospreys announced former Manchester City manager Nick Garcia as their new chief executive in March 2021
Garcia has been with Ospreys for just over a year, having joined the region from Manchester City.
“I admit I was surprised at how political [Welsh rugby] it is,” Garcia said.
“It’s driven by a passion and a deep love for the game and that’s important, but we need to evolve that to an understanding where we understand it’s a business.”
Meanwhile, Ospreys owners Y11 Sport & Media this week announced the acquisition of a 25 per cent stake in Provincial New Zealand’s Hurricanes.
“It’s definitely not affecting ospreys,” Garcia said.
“This plan hasn’t changed one iota and it’s important that our supporters understand that.
“What the Hurricanes show is our commitment and belief in professional rugby club play.”
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