Wales' two underthreat URC regions issue statements amid bombshell WRU news

Wales’ two West-based regions have issued statements in the wake of the Welsh Rugby Union’s announcement that one of the country’s four professional sides will be cut under a new three-club model.

Both the Scarlets and Ospreys — widely seen as the two teams most vulnerable under the proposed restructure — have confirmed that meetings have taken place with WRU officials and that discussions will continue in the coming weeks.

Ospreys said they met with WRU chair Malcolm Wall and director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin on Friday morning, when the union outlined its plans for the future of the professional game.

“Ospreys Rugby met with Malcolm Wall and Dave Reddin from the WRU this morning (Friday), where they laid out their plans for Welsh rugby.

“Ospreys are Wales’ most successful region, having won more league titles, produced players who’ve won more Welsh caps and been selected for more British and Irish Lions tours than any other region.

“We will continue to engage with the WRU with the intention of reaching an agreement which continues that proud tradition. Our intention is and always has been to find a solution which works in the best interests of Welsh rugby and Ospreys Rugby, not only at an elite level but across the entirety of the game and the communities involved in it.”

The Scarlets, meanwhile, issued a detailed statement underlining their belief that the club will continue to “play a central role” in the new structure, citing the region’s contribution to both Welsh rugby and the wider West Wales community.

“Scarlets Board of Directors are confident that the club will continue to play a central role in the future of the game in West Wales from its home at Parc y Scarlets, following the announcement of the WRU’s three club equally funded model for the men’s professional game.

“The Scarlets Board has called on everyone connected with its club and region to embrace the long-term opportunity presented by Scarlets championing the future of sustainable and successful pro rugby based in West Wales.

“We recognise the scale of change the WRU has outlined and as a club we will engage constructively and professionally.

“We believe it is in everyone’s interests to reach a solution as quickly as possible to bring stability back into our game.”

The WRU is set to meet with Scarlets executives next week to discuss the financial and operational details of the proposal. The Llanelli-based club says it has been promised “a fair and transparent process based on clear metrics.”

Scarlets said they were encouraged that the WRU had recognised “brand, cultural identity, heritage and connection to Welsh language is irreplaceable” following feedback from the consultation process.

“Rugby must stay connected to its communities, people and history and its values. That’s what gives our game its soul. We want reform that strengthens Welsh rugby. With Scarlets in the future structure, Welsh rugby keeps a proven talent pathway, an internationally respected brand and a first-class home for rugby at Parc y Scarlets.

“This weekend, we now prioritise the wellbeing of players, coaches, staff and families. We thank our supporters and stakeholders for their continued input and support. As a club we are now focused on supporting our players for the game against Hollywoodbets Sharks tomorrow afternoon in Durban.”

The Scarlets statement also included a summary of their submission to the WRU, highlighting the region’s record in elite performance, player development, community impact and infrastructure.

Among the key points were two league titles, twelve European quarter-finals and five European semi-finals — “the strongest European record of any Welsh side.”

The club said 34 per cent of Wales internationals over the past decade came through the Scarlets system, while Parc y Scarlets contributes £17 million annually to the local economy and supports more than 300 jobs.

The Scarlets Board also emphasised the cultural importance of the region, describing it as “an anchor for Welsh language and culture in professional rugby” and “a platform for growth that can serve the entire Welsh game.”