Wales needs a unity of rugby purpose today more than at any other time in its history

The Welsh players looked disheartened after losing to Italy in the Six Nations competition.(Photo: David Davies/PA Wire)

Roger Lewis, ex-head of the WRU Group

The Welsh Rugby Union is set to release a new plan next week with the help of Portas Consulting, outlining the future of rugby in Wales.

I really hope that all members of the Welsh rugby community will support the new leader of the union, Abi Tierney, and interact in a positive and helpful manner with the decisions that are being made.

I encourage everyone to engage in a thorough and sincere discussion in the following months, approaching it with honesty and respect, and aiming for genuine and long-lasting improvements for the entire sports community in Wales. It is important to acknowledge that change is inevitable and should be embraced as a way to grow and improve.

Additionally, I truly hope that the discussion is thorough and inclusive, engaging everyone currently in charge of overseeing Welsh rugby at every level of the sport.

The key focus should be on what lies ahead, rather than dwelling on the past. It is crucial to address the current challenges and not get caught up in past conflicts.

I think people in Wales are ready for the game to change, and we need to urge those in power to take advantage of this opportunity.

I haven't seen Abi and I don't know what's in the documents, but I strongly feel that anyone who loves the game in Wales should join the discussion with respect and openness towards different viewpoints. It's important to act professionally and constructively to make positive changes.

Many people are aware of the difficulties that the game is currently facing, but this doesn't make them any simpler to resolve.

The discussion focuses on important aspects related to sports and business, specifically addressing the key priorities for rugby in Wales and globally. This includes the importance of increasing participation levels in schools and clubs for both genders, as well as determining the necessary number of players needed for success at both amateur and professional levels in the sport.

Along with this, we must consider how the game can generate exciting and captivating rugby events that appeal to players and fans constantly, attracting and retaining them week after week. This is especially important at the professional level to appeal to media and sponsors.

These questions are important because they highlight the need to face the truth about the financial support that Wales, as well as the UK, European, and global rugby communities, can generate and maintain to support the goals of the sport. It's important to acknowledge that rugby is not fully professional in most countries, with only ten nations competing at that level and facing competition from many other recreational activities.

The responses to these questions will have a big effect on the rugby goals in the near future, medium term, and long term. This will also involve figuring out the best management systems and game strategies needed to make the most of our chances. Additionally, we will need to determine the necessary staff and skills in both rugby and business to advance the game further.

It's not very difficult to understand, but Wales has not managed to send anyone to the moon yet.

In Wales, the rugby and sports scene is not fair because of the differences in population, culture, and business practices. This leads to unequal chances for making money, getting media coverage, and attracting sponsorships.

This is the harsh setting in which Welsh rugby functions.

It is more important than ever for rugby to come together at all levels - local, national, and international - in order to ensure the survival of the sport.

This is why I strongly believe that we need to inform the people in Wales who are in charge and capable of dealing with these important issues, so they are aware that we are behind them, have faith in them, and encourage them to make the right decisions.

All eyes in the sports world will be focused on Wales as this review is taking place during a crucial moment for the sport on a global scale.

Wales requires a strong sense of togetherness in rugby now more than ever before.

During my time as the leader of the Welsh Rugby Union and the Millennium Stadium, from 2006 to 2015, I had the privilege of collaborating with fantastic individuals in Welsh rugby. This includes many who continue to make significant contributions to the sport in Wales today. I hold a deep admiration and concern for them.

They have earned our trust and deserve our backing.

It is important for those of us who are not directly involved in the sport to show support for those who are navigating the constantly evolving rugby landscape. It is crucial that we uphold the integrity of the game in discussions and conversations.

It is the moment for those who are passionate about the future of Welsh rugby to unite and back the leadership, providing them with the reassurance needed to take brave and definitive actions, understanding that progress must always be ongoing.

I have been lucky enough to see firsthand the talent and skill of Antoine Dupont at the European Rugby Cup Final, an amazing Gallagher Rugby Premiership Final with my two sons at Twickenham, and a touching charity event at my childhood club, Cefn Cribwr RFC, where Warren Gatland was also in attendance, surrounded by old friends.

These three events strongly reminded me why we are all passionate about the sport, why it holds such a special allure, and why we are invested in its ongoing success.

Rugby has brought us immense joy and will always hold a special place in our lives. This game is not just a sport, but a source of happiness, camaraderie, and lifelong friendships.

However, it is important to note that the game is currently at a crucial and very serious point, and recent months have highlighted many of the difficulties rugby is dealing with globally, not only in Wales.

The downfall of Wasps, Worcester, and London Irish in England was surprising, and the recent decision by Rugby Australia to cut the Melbourne Rebels from Super Rugby due to their significant debts is part of a worrying pattern seen around the world.

The news that the RFU could not secure a TV deal for the Japan v England game is disappointing for everyone. Additionally, New Zealand, a former leader in world rugby governance, is currently in a heated disagreement with its professional players.

Every day, there are more and more challenges in world rugby, and it's not just happening in Wales.

The trumpet's call for proactive and drastic measures in Welsh rugby is powerful. The necessity for a shared goal among all leaders in Welsh rugby cannot be ignored.

As spectators and supporters, we have a responsibility to cheer on and uplift those who are taking on the challenges, and to be open to the new ideas they bring.

It is simple to criticize from the sidelines, but those who are actually in the positions of making tough decisions need our backing. We should stand with them during these tough times.

Help Our Nation Thrive

For the cost of a single cup of coffee each month, you can assist us in establishing a self-sustaining news service that serves the people of Wales, created by the people of Wales.