“Rugby deserves respect”
In a strongly worded response to the WRU’s press conference, the pair said the union had “fallen well short” of showing respect to communities outside Cardiff.
Their statement read:
“Rugby is central to our communities, from the professional game right down to the grassroots. It deserves respect from those responsible for overseeing it. The Welsh Rugby Union has fallen well short of showing that respect today.
Respect would mean understanding that rugby matters west of Cardiff, not least in Swansea. Respect would mean ending the uncertainty facing clubs, fans and players – not setting up years more of it as they have done today.
The WRU’s plans are not fit for purpose, and if any members of the WRU board don’t understand that, then neither are they.”
Scarlets and Ospreys at risk
The WRU has confirmed its new model will see just three professional men’s clubs: one in the east, one in the capital, and one in the west. That secures the Dragons and a Cardiff‑based side, but leaves the Scarlets and Ospreys in direct competition for the single West Wales licence.
WRU chair Richard Collier‑Keywood has denied the union is “putting two teams against each other”, but admitted a merger would be the “ideal solution”.
Both the Ospreys and Scarlets have since issued statements defending their records and stressing their importance to West Wales rugby.
Political pressure grows
The intervention from Bell and Stewart adds political weight to the backlash already building in West Wales. Their comments underline the wider concern that the WRU’s restructuring risks alienating communities beyond Cardiff and undermining the heritage of professional rugby in Swansea and Llanelli.
