The plans, announced on Friday, would see the Scarlets and Ospreys effectively competing for survival as part of a national restructuring of the professional game.
Concerns Over Fan Impact and Regional Heritage
Llanelli councillor Shaun Greaney described the proposals as poorly thought out and damaging to the game in West Wales.
He said the move risks alienating long-standing supporters at a time when rugby in Wales needs to rebuild its fan base.
“It is clearly a disgraceful decision that will alienate and anger fans at the very time that rugby in Wales needs to be increasing its fan base and listening to opinions of fans and heeding their long-held loyalties,” said Councillor Greaney.
He claimed the WRU’s preferred option appeared to be a merger between the Scarlets and Ospreys.
“Far from a proper consultation, the WRU’s final proposal, in which they admit that their favourite option in West Wales is a merger, means they have gone ahead and done what they wanted to in the first place,” he said.
Councillor Greaney also argued that the decision risks undermining both teams and could harm the future of Welsh rugby more broadly.
Economic and Community Concerns in Llanelli
Llanelli Town Council leader David Darkin said there is strong public support for the Scarlets to remain in the town.
“Thousands of fans and townsfolk signed a petition to keep the region alive,” he said. “Of course, we do not want the Ospreys to be axed, but the Scarlets must survive. We are the region with the longest heritage and the best regional ground in Wales.”
Mr Darkin highlighted the club’s wider economic importance, stating that the region supports around 340 jobs and is estimated to be worth £100 million to the local economy over the next five years.
“As a council and as a town, we are united in wanting to do everything we can to help save the Scarlets,” he added.
Call for Dialogue and Cooperation
Llanelli MP Dame Nia Griffith also commented on the WRU’s announcement, reiterating her belief that the Scarlets have a vital role to play in the future of Welsh rugby.
“Llanelli, with its first-class Parc y Scarlets stadium, proud rugby history, and well-developed tradition of player and coach development, should remain part of that,” she said.
Ms Griffith called for positive and constructive dialogue between the regions, the WRU, and those involved in the sport, including grassroots clubs, to find a way forward.
“I am hopeful a solution can be achieved that is in the best interests of Welsh rugby as a whole but which also recognises what Llanelli and West Wales have to offer in delivering that,” she said.
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