Wales’ governing body have publicly confirmed which sides have signed the new PRA after Thursday’s deadlineThe WRU have released a statement on Friday evening (Image: Ryan Hiscott/Federugby via Getty Images)

The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed Cardiff and Dragons have signed up to the new Professional Rugby Agreement, meaning the two clubs are in line to get improved funding compared to their west Wales rivals.

Following Cardiff’s takeover by the WRU last month after the Arms Park club went into administration, the three independent clubs – Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets – had been set a deadline of Thursday by which to sign the new financial deal set to come in next season.

However, the deadline passed with both Ospreys and Scarlets not signing the new deal, amid concerns over how they would be treated compared to the now Union-owned Cardiff.

Sources indicate negotiations are still ongoing between the WRU and the two Welsh clubs holding out on signing the new agreement.

However, in light of the deadline passing, the WRU has moved to confirm the two clubs that have agreed to a new funding arrangement.

The new PRA should see fixed funding raised to up to £6.5m in the years to come. The WRU’s stated intention is to serve the required two-year notice period on the current PRA, which has to be done in order for the Union to refinance Welsh rugby’s current debt.

As such, the current situation means Cardiff and Dragons are in line to start next season on the new funding agreement, while – should they continue to hold out – Ospreys and Scarlets would remain on the existing deal.

The latest deadline had been a source of contention between the three independent clubs and the WRU.

The Union had insisted the deadline was not arbitrary, with the time pressure laid down to finalise the financial framework for next season.

However, having been seeking clarity over what Cardiff’s takeover would mean for the new PRA, sources suggest the independent clubs were willing to stand up to what was perceived as bullying tactics.

Some sources had even referenced the master and slave dynamics that were widely criticised during Steve Phillips’s tenure as WRU CEO.

In a statement, the WRU welcomed the decisiveness of the two clubs that have signed – adding that the two east Wales clubs had demonstrated their “commitment to the long-term future of Welsh professional rugby through to 2029”.

“I’m absolutely delighted to confirm the new PRA25 is now agreed for Cardiff Rugby and Dragons RFC,” said WRU CEO Abi Tierney.

“The PRA25 will provide a stable platform to enable sustained success on the field for Cardiff and Dragons and will significantly support the overall progress of the professional game in Wales.”

While they are understood to be empathetic to the concerns of the independent clubs in terms of wanting clarity, the WRU will see the Dragons joining Cardiff in signing as a positive.