Update group-level template retrieval to use new finder behind constrain_group_project_templates feature flag

Summary

Update the logic that returns group-level custom project templates to the UI to use the new dedicated finder when the constrain_group_project_templates feature flag is enabled.

Background

The current template retrieval path uses GroupsFinder which generates expensive queries. A new dedicated finder is being created to address this (see sibling issue in parent epic). This issue covers integrating that new finder into the existing code path behind the constrain_group_project_templates feature flag so the change can be rolled out incrementally.

See the investigation in #296815 (closed) (now closed as won't fix) and the feature flag rollout issue #586332 for full context.

Proposal

  • When constrain_group_project_templates is enabled:
    • Use the new dedicated finder to retrieve templates scoped to the relevant group
    • Return project-level paginated results to the UI
  • When constrain_group_project_templates is disabled:
    • Preserve the existing behavior as a fallback

Acceptance criteria

  • Template retrieval logic is updated to use the new finder when the feature flag is enabled
  • Existing behavior is preserved when the feature flag is disabled
  • API responses return project-level paginated results under the new code path
  • Integration specs cover both feature flag states
  • No performance regressions (validated with query analysis)
Edited Feb 13, 2026 by 🤖 GitLab Bot 🤖
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