Is Wales Star Wainwright Ready to Join Leicester?

Aaron Wainwright, the 28-year-old number eight for Wales, is set to leave Dragons to join Leicester at the end of the current season, reflecting the ongoing challenges within Welsh rugby. This move follows a trend of top Welsh players departing for clubs in England amid uncertainty regarding the future structure of professional rugby in Wales.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Aaron Wainwright's anticipated move to Leicester highlights the struggles faced by Welsh rugby, particularly in retaining its top talent. With the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) grappling with plans to reduce the number of professional teams from four to three, many players, including Wainwright, are seeking opportunities abroad. His decision comes after Ospreys players Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake also opted to move to Gloucester for the 2026-27 season, indicating a worrying trend for Welsh domestic rugby.

Key takeaways

Aaron Wainwright is leaving Dragons to join Leicester, joining a trend of Welsh players moving abroad.
The WRU aims to reduce the number of professional teams but has faced delays in finalising plans.
Wainwright, with 62 international caps, remains eligible for selection despite moving to an English club.

Timeline: how we got here

The situation surrounding Wainwright and Welsh rugby has evolved significantly over the years:

October 2017: Wainwright makes his debut for Dragons.
January 2024: Initially turns down offers to extend his contract with Dragons.
October 2023: Wainwright's move to Leicester is announced, amid ongoing player departures from Welsh clubs.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The key development this week is Wainwright's confirmed move to Leicester, which underscores the ongoing trend of Welsh players seeking opportunities in England. This follows recent announcements from other players, highlighting a significant shift in the player landscape in Welsh rugby.

What was already established

Previously, it was known that Welsh rugby was facing difficulties in retaining talent due to financial and structural issues within the domestic league. The WRU's intention to reduce the number of professional teams has been a longstanding concern, and players have increasingly taken their skills abroad to ensure competitive opportunities.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing player exodus could impact local fans and communities, as the loss of star players may affect attendance and engagement with the sport in Wales. Enthusiasts may find it challenging to connect with a league that features fewer high-profile Welsh players.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses connected to Welsh rugby, including sponsors and merchandise sellers, the departure of key players may lead to a decline in revenue. Smaller clubs could particularly suffer, as they rely heavily on local talent and the following it generates.

Policy and regulation

The WRU's plans to restructure the professional game in Wales have significant implications for the sport's future. The WRU has indicated that it hopes to resolve the situation before the end of 2025, but delays in negotiations have raised concerns about the viability of the current league structure and its ability to retain talent.

Numbers that matter

129: Appearances made by Wainwright for Dragons since his debut.
62: International caps held by Wainwright, ensuring his eligibility for Wales despite his move.
4: The number of professional teams the WRU aims to reduce to three.
13: The number of non-home-based players in the Wales autumn squad, highlighting the trend of Welsh players abroad.

Definitions and jargon buster

WRU: Welsh Rugby Union, the governing body for rugby in Wales.
Dragons: A professional rugby union team based in Newport, Wales.
Ospreys: Another professional rugby team, based in Swansea, Wales.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect further announcements regarding player movements as the season progresses. The WRU's negotiations regarding the league structure will be closely monitored, as they could lead to additional player departures.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the 2024 season approaches, more players may weigh their options, particularly if the WRU does not provide clarity on the future of Welsh rugby. The impact of these decisions will likely shape the league's competitive landscape.

Signals to watch

Further player transfer announcements from Welsh clubs.
Updates on WRU negotiations regarding the professional league structure.
Responses from fans and communities to player movements and changes in team structures.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about player movements and club announcements.
Engage with local rugby communities to support homegrown talent.
Monitor the WRU's developments regarding league restructuring.

Don’t

Assume that all players will remain in Wales; stay updated as situations evolve.
Neglect the impact of player departures on local clubs and fan engagement.
Overlook the importance of supporting initiatives for Welsh rugby's sustainability.

Checklist

Keep track of player contracts and announcements from Welsh clubs.
Follow updates on WRU negotiations for insights on the future of Welsh rugby.
Engage with fan forums to discuss the implications of player movements.
Consider attending local matches to support teams amid changes.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

There is a significant level of uncertainty surrounding the future of Welsh rugby, particularly with regards to the WRU's plans and the implications for professional teams. The ongoing negotiations could lead to further changes that may affect both players and clubs. The situation is fluid, and any developments in the next few weeks could alter the landscape significantly.

Bottom line

Aaron Wainwright’s move to Leicester is emblematic of the broader issues facing Welsh rugby, including player retention and structural challenges. As talented players seek opportunities abroad, the future of the sport in Wales hangs in the balance, necessitating urgent action from the WRU to stabilise the professional game.

FAQs

Why is Aaron Wainwright leaving Dragons?

Aaron Wainwright is leaving Dragons to join Leicester in search of new challenges, as many top Welsh players are moving abroad amid uncertainty in Welsh rugby.

Will Wainwright remain eligible for international selection?

Yes, Wainwright will remain eligible for Wales selection as he has over 25 international caps, despite moving to an English club.

What is the WRU's plan for professional teams in Wales?

The WRU aims to reduce the number of professional men's sides from four to three, but this has faced delays and uncertainties in recent months.