Wales hooker Dewi Lake has revealed that the uncertainty surrounding Welsh rugby played a major role in his decision to leave Ospreys and join Gloucester Rugby next season. Lake, along with fellow Wales co-captain Jac Morgan, will move to Kingsholm once their contracts with the region expire in the summer of 2026.

Welsh Rugby Uncertainty Influences Player Decisions

Speaking on the SportIn Wales podcast, Lake explained that the lack of clarity over the future of the Ospreys contributed heavily to his decision:

“It wasn’t an easy decision. When you factor in the things that are going on off the field at the minute and the lack of clarity in whether we’re going to be a region next year, there’s not much stability there at the moment. It’s tough to leave, but ultimately, you’ve got to secure a contract and your future.”

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is currently proposing to reduce the number of men’s professional sides from four to three, a move that has created significant uncertainty for domestic clubs. The WRU plans to grant one licence each to Cardiff, the east, and the west, potentially leaving Ospreys and Scarlets in a survival battle for western representation.

Lake highlighted how this ongoing uncertainty influenced contract negotiations:

“It was probably ongoing really from when that announcement first came from the WRU about looking to cut teams from four to three. Then the added news that we’re probably looking at one of Ospreys or Scarlets being the ones battling it out to stay. We’ve had little discussions and conversations around trying to stay, but the uncertainty of it all still hangs over you.”

Contract Negotiations and Tough Decisions

Lake confirmed that his negotiations were primarily with Ospreys rather than the WRU, emphasizing the challenges faced by the club in offering long-term contracts amid the restructuring:

“They’re not really sure about what kind of position they’re going to be in next year either. I know it was very tough for them to be able to put contracts on the table with everything that is going on. It’s not an easy decision, but it’s one that I feel I’ve got to take.”

Despite the move, Lake stressed that leaving Ospreys—where he began his career—was emotionally difficult:

“It was a tough decision because you never want to leave the club you started out at. The staff and the boys are always the toughest things to leave. We’ve got a good group of boys that I’ve been with since I came through. The coaches as well, a lot of them were my coaches at Under-18 level. The people that you form good bonds and friendships with, and the fans as well have been class over the years too.”

Looking Forward to a New Challenge in the English Premiership

Lake expressed excitement about the next chapter in his career:

“Very excited, it’s an exciting league, a big league. It is a new opportunity for me, leaving a place where I’m comfortable and going out of my comfort zone a bit to test myself in a new league and a new environment. I’m excited, but not ready to go just yet.”

The move to Gloucester marks a significant step in Lake’s career, offering him a chance to compete in the English Premiership, test himself against new opposition, and continue his development as a top-level international player.

Key Takeaways:

• Dewi Lake cites Welsh rugby uncertainty as a major factor in leaving Ospreys for Gloucester.
• Fellow Wales co-captain Jac Morgan will join him at Kingsholm next season.
• The WRU’s proposed reduction of professional sides from four to three has created instability for domestic clubs.
• Lake emphasized the difficulty of leaving Ospreys, including teammates, coaches, and fans.
• The move presents a new challenge in the competitive English Premiership Rugby.

Lake’s departure reflects the broader challenges facing Welsh rugby amid restructuring, as players seek stability and competitive opportunities in uncertain times.