Scarlets and Ospreys pitched into a fight for survival
The WRU’s announcement on Friday set out plans that would leave just three professional sides in Wales: one in the east, one in Cardiff, and one in the west. That pits the Scarlets and Ospreys against each other in what critics describe as a damaging “dogfight” for survival.
Cllr Greaney said the move would alienate fans at a time when Welsh rugby should be working to grow its support base. He accused the WRU of ignoring grassroots opinion and pushing ahead with a merger plan that risks “destroying rugby in West Wales.”
“Immense” support for Scarlets in Llanelli
Llanelli Town Council leader David Darkin said the Scarlets’ survival was vital not only for rugby but for the local economy.
“The support for the Scarlets to survive in Llanelli is immense. Thousands of fans and townsfolk signed a petition to keep the region alive,” he said.
Cllr Darkin pointed to the club’s heritage, its Parc y Scarlets stadium, and the 340 jobs linked to the team. He added that the region is forecast to be worth £100 million to the local economy over the next five years, warning it would be “unwise” to jeopardise that.
MP calls for constructive dialogue
Llanelli MP Dame Nia Griffith also voiced her support, insisting the Scarlets still have “an extremely important role to play” in the future of Welsh rugby.
She said Llanelli’s proud rugby history, first-class facilities and tradition of player development should secure its place in the professional game.
“There is now a need for positive and constructive dialogue between the regions and the WRU,” she said, adding that grassroots clubs must be central to those conversations.
Fans fear “monumental folly”
Cllr Greaney warned that the WRU’s plan to retain a team in East Wales, preserve Cardiff, and force the Scarlets and Ospreys into a merger was “a monumental folly of historic proportions.”
He said uncertainty now clouds the future of both West Wales teams, with the WRU “totally out of touch with the grassroots.”
So Llanelli MP Dame Nia Griffith and Llanelli Town Council leader David Darkin, it is so easy to criticise without offering a positive and workable solution – so what is the solution? Ruby is no longer popular in Wales; it is popular in France, England and Ireland and not in Wales. The solution is very clear: a lot more bums on seats to attract reputable and large long term sponsorship. Dame Nia Griffith and David Darkin what are the objectives you suggest to get to this?