Scarlets unveil new away kit inspired by Llanelli’s heritage

Sosban Fach woven into the design

The shirt, produced in partnership with kit supplier VX3, carries the words of Sosban Fach, the traditional Welsh song adopted as the Scarlets’ anthem. The lyrics are printed across the front of the jersey, symbolising the club’s deep ties to its community and supporters.

A nod to Llanelli’s steel and tinplate past

The grey colour scheme of the shirt, shorts and socks is a deliberate reference to the tinplate and steel industries that shaped Llanelli and the wider West Wales region. Club officials say the design reflects both the area’s industrial heritage and the resilience of its people.

Three Scarlets players showcase the club’s new grey away strip, a design inspired by Llanelli’s industrial heritage and the anthem Sosban Fach.(Image: Scarlets)

🥄 Why Sosban Fach matters to the Scarlets

Sosban Fach (“Little Saucepan”) is one of Wales’ best‑known folk songs. First adapted in the late 19th century, it became closely linked with Llanelli RFC and later the Scarlets regional side.

The connection comes from Llanelli’s tinplate industry, which produced saucepans and kitchenware for homes across Britain. Fans embraced the saucepan as a symbol of the town’s identity, and the song became a terrace anthem.

At Stradey Park, the Scarlets’ former ground, scarlet‑painted saucepans were famously fixed to the goalposts. The tradition continues at Parc y Scarlets, where supporters still belt out Sosban Fach before big matches.

The Scarlets’ official magazine is even titled “Sosban”, underlining how deeply the song is woven into the club’s culture.

On sale from today

The new away kit is available to buy from Friday 17 October at the Scarlets VX3 shop at Parc y Scarlets, as well as online at shop.scarlets.wales.

https://youtu.be/wsY7Kmi2-s4

🎶 Sosban Fach – full lyrics

Welsh:

Mae bys Meri-Ann wedi brifo,
A Dafydd y gwas ddim yn iach.
Mae’r baban yn y crud yn crio,
A’r gath wedi sgrapo Joni bach.

Sosban fach yn berwi ar y tân,
Sosban fawr yn berwi ar y llawr,
A’r gath wedi sgrapo Joni bach.

Dai bach y sowldiwr,
Dai bach y sowldiwr,
Dai bach y sowldiwr,
A gwt ei grys e mas.

Mae bys Meri-Ann wedi gwella,
A Dafydd y gwas yn ei fedd;
Mae’r baban yn y crud wedi tyfu,
A’r gath wedi huno mewn hedd.

Sosban fach yn berwi ar y tân,
Sosban fawr yn berwi ar y llawr,
A’r gath wedi huno mewn hedd.

English (translation):

Mary-Ann’s finger is injured,
And David the servant is unwell.
The baby in the cradle is crying,
And the cat has scratched little Johnny.

A little saucepan is boiling on the fire,
A big saucepan is boiling on the floor,
And the cat has scratched little Johnny.

Little Dai the soldier,
Little Dai the soldier,
Little Dai the soldier,
With the tail of his shirt hanging out.

Mary-Ann’s finger has healed,
And David the servant is in his grave;
The baby in the cradle has grown,
And the cat is sleeping in peace.

A little saucepan is boiling on the fire,
A big saucepan is boiling on the floor,
And the cat is sleeping in peace.

Note: As with many folk songs, versions vary slightly, but this is the form most often sung by Scarlets supporters.

#awayKit #kitLaunch #Llanelli #ParcYScarlets #Scarlets #ScarletsAnthem #ScarletsAwayKit #ScarletsKit #SosbanFach #steel #tinplate #VX3

Save Our Scarlets march set to bring thousands onto Llanelli’s streets today

The Save Our Scarlets march begins at 1pm from Sandy Water Park, with fans walking the historic route past the old Stradey Park rugby posts and through the town centre before finishing at Parc y Scarlets ahead of the club’s opening United Rugby Championship fixture against Munster.

The demonstration comes at the end of the WRU’s consultation on the future of the game in Wales, which has sparked widespread fears for the Scarlets’ survival.

“The thought of losing the Scarlets is unthinkable”

Organiser Andrew Gough, originally from Aberystwyth, said he has “Scarlets fever”:

“The thought of losing the Scarlets is unthinkable. Being from Aberystwyth originally, I know first hand that the Scarlets are the heartbeat in the communities of the whole of west Wales, a huge part of our region’s identity. For example, we’re the only club where you hear Welsh songs being proudly sung in the stands. The Scarlets is one of the few remaining institutions left in Llanelli, they are the pride of the town. They attract thousands of visitors every year, playing a vital role in supporting the local economy.”

He added that today’s march would be “a massive day for the club”, with Scarlets legend Rupert Moon opening proceedings, choirs leading supporters in song, and former players joining fans along the route.

Supporters are being urged to wear Scarlets colours, bring flags and banners, and join the march at any of the staging points along the way — including Boots in the town centre, Farmfoods on Swansea Road, and the Halfway on Glyncoed Terrace.

Organisers call for unity

Fellow organiser Helen Davies said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Scarlets fans to come and show how much the club means to them, and we are expecting a large number of people to attend from across the region as a whole, not just Llanelli.”

Catherine Davies added:

“Rugby means more to the fans than raw data, which is something that I don’t think the WRU have understood in their consultation. After all, what is the point of sport without fans?”

Political backing

The campaign has drawn support across the political spectrum.

Plaid Cymru representatives Cefin Campbell MS, Ann Davies MP and Adam Price MS issued a joint statement declaring their “fundamental opposition” to any plan that risks the dissolution of the Scarlets. They warned that losing professional rugby in west Wales would be “disastrous” for the region’s economy, identity and grassroots pathways.

Meanwhile, Llanelli’s Labour MP Dame Nia Griffith has also spoken out, insisting that Parc y Scarlets must remain central to Welsh rugby’s future. She described the stadium as “the best regional rugby stadium in Wales”, highlighting its facilities, transport links and role in developing youth and women’s rugby. Griffith argued that keeping a strong regional presence west of the Loughor bridge is “essential” if the production line of talent and community pathways is to survive.

Together, the interventions underline the breadth of political opposition to any WRU plan that could see the Scarlets disappear.

Matchday build‑up

The march will culminate at Parc y Scarlets ahead of the Scarlets’ first home game of the season against Munster. The club has confirmed a full programme of pre‑match activities, including live music, family entertainment and community events details on the Scarlets website.

Travel advice

Drivers are advised to expect disruption along the march route and to plan journeys accordingly.

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#AdamPriceMS #AnnDaviesMP #CefinCampbell #NiaGriffithMP #ParcYScarlets #protestMarch #Rugby #RupertMoon #SandyWaterPark #SaveOurScarlets #Scarlets #WRU

Llanelli mayor blasts WRU over Scarlets future as town rallies behind ‘Save Our Scarlets’ march

‘Clueless’ leadership

Councillor Andrew Bragoli, a lifelong Scarlets supporter who describes the late Phil Bennett as his “idol and hero”, accused the WRU of being “clueless” and failing both the regions and grassroots clubs.

“They have mismanaged regional rugby in Wales in general. They haven’t helped the grassroots teams like Furnace, Trimsaran, Felinfoel, Llangennech, Tumble and Tenby,” he said.

“The WRU haven’t looked after the regions – Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff and the Dragons – so the national team is now suffering. We don’t want to see any region disappear.”

Cllr Bragoli said the union had been “narrow‑sighted”, relying on the success of the national side while neglecting the pathway from community rugby into the professional game.

Call for English league switch

The mayor suggested the best way forward would be for the Scarlets, Ospreys and Cardiff to join the English league system, with the Dragons remaining in the United Rugby Championship.

“Nothing in Welsh rugby has the passion of Scarlets versus Ospreys. We must both survive. And derby games against Bristol, Bath and Gloucester would boost attendances and bring atmosphere and rivalry with travelling fans,” said Cllr Bragoli, who has attended more than 1,000 Scarlets matches.

March to Parc y Scarlets

He urged local people to join the Save Our Scarlets march this Saturday, ahead of the home game against Munster. The march will leave Sandy Water Park at 1pm, led by Scarlets heritage director Rupert Moon, and will pass through Llanelli town centre before arriving at Parc y Scarlets.

The town council has also commissioned buses to bring local choirs to the stadium, with renditions of Sospan Fach and Yma O Hyd planned as part of a festival‑style build‑up.

Council united

Fellow councillor Shaun Greaney said:

“We cannot allow the demise of the Scarlets. It would be an act of cultural and sporting vandalism on a near criminal scale. Our area cannot afford the economic decimation the loss of 400 plus jobs would mean.”

Town council leader David Darkin confirmed the council had written to the WRU in the “strongest terms” and voted unanimously to back the campaign.

“Our position reflects the love the town has for the Scarlets. The region is part of our very identity,” he said.

Petition gathers pace

Nearly 5,500 people have signed an online petition calling for the WRU to safeguard the Scarlets’ future. The petition describes the club as “a cornerstone of our community, a symbol of local pride, and a source of inspiration for young athletes”.

It highlights Sport Wales figures estimating rugby contributes more than £200 million a year to the Welsh economy and supports over 4,000 jobs, with the Scarlets playing a key role in that ecosystem.

Related stories on the future of the Scarlets

Save Our Scarlets, urges town council
Llanelli Town Council backed a cross‑party motion calling on the WRU to safeguard the Scarlets, citing their cultural importance and multi‑million pound contribution to the local economy.

‘Save Our Scarlets’ march planned as WRU consultation sparks fears for region’s future
Councillors urged residents and businesses to join a march from Stradey Park to Parc y Scarlets, as the WRU consults on cutting the number of professional teams.

Llanelli MP: Parc y Scarlets must be central to Welsh rugby’s future
Dame Nia Griffith said the stadium’s facilities, heritage and player pathway make it essential to the sport’s future, warning decisions now will shape Welsh rugby for decades.

Scarlets investor slammed WRU leadership weeks before deal announced
Kirsti Jane, head of the US‑based group investing in the Scarlets, criticised WRU leadership as lacking vision, weeks before confirming a landmark takeover deal.

#CllrAndrewBragoli #DavidDarkin #Felinfoel #Furnace #grassrootsRugby #Llanelli #Llangennech #MayorOfLlanelli #ParcYScarlets #Rugby #RupertMoon #Scarlets #SospanFach #Tenby #Trimsaran #Tumble #WRU #YmaOHyd

‘Save Our Scarlets’ march planned as WRU consultation sparks fears for region’s future

Town councillors have urged residents, supporters and businesses to join the demonstration on Saturday 27 September, which will start near the site of the old Stradey Park ground and finish at Parc y Scarlets.

It comes as the WRU consults on four possible models for the future of elite rugby in Wales — including its preferred option to cut the number of professional teams from four to two, each running a men’s and women’s side. The other options would see either three or four teams remain, with varying levels of funding.

Under the current structure, the Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff and Dragons all receive central funding. The WRU says its review aims to create a more sustainable and competitive system, strengthen the women’s game, improve academy pathways and close the gap between the professional and semi‑professional tiers.

A formal consultation began on 20 August and runs for four weeks, with recommendations due to go to the WRU Board in mid‑October. A final decision is expected before the end of that month.

‘Hands off our Scarlets’

Llanelli Town Council has already unanimously backed a motion recognising the Scarlets’ importance to the area’s economy and community life, and calling on the WRU to safeguard the region’s future.

Labour group spokesman Cllr Shaun Greaney said:

“Let’s all support the Scarlets and march for their survival to demonstrate the passion and pride we have in our club. It is vital that the people of Llanelli send out a loud and clear signal to the WRU that we will fight tooth and nail to ensure the Scarlets survive going forward.”

Deputy leader Cllr Andre McPherson, who brought the motion, said more than 400 jobs directly depend on the Scarlets, including those in the supply chain.

“We urge everyone to go on the march to show we are shoulder to shoulder with the Scarlets and send a loud and powerful signal to the WRU – hands off our Scarlets,” he said.

Council leader Cllr David Darkin added that the club’s home games bring millions of pounds into the local economy through spending in hotels, pubs, restaurants and shops.

Petition passes 5,000 signatures

An online petition titled Urge WRU to support Scarlets’ survival in West Wales has now passed 5,000 signatures.

As Swansea Bay News has previously reported, Llanelli MP Dame Nia Griffith has also called for Parc y Scarlets to remain central to Welsh rugby’s future, citing its facilities, transport links and track record in developing talent. Scarlets’ new majority investor, US‑based House of Luxury LLC, has pledged to protect the club’s identity and grow its commercial potential, while warning of the risks posed by uncertainty over the WRU’s plans.

#Llanelli #LlanelliTownCouncil #ParcYScarlets #protest #Rugby #Scarlets #StradeyPark #WRU

Llanelli’s Parc y Scarlets to provide home for Haverfordwest AFC in UEFA football tournament

Haverfordwest County AFC – otherwise known as The Bluebirds – clinched a second European qualification in three years by defeating Caernarfon Town 3-1 in front of a capacity crowd of 1,717 at the Ogi Bridge Meadow on Sunday evening. Ben Ahmun’s brace either side of Dan Hawkins’ goal gave the Town a thoroughly deserved victory on a jubilant evening in Pembrokeshire.

Tony Pennock’s men will enter the competition at the first qualifying round stage, with the Bluebird’s opponents to be discovered when the draw takes place at UEFA headquarters in Geneva on Tuesday 17 June.

The Bluebirds played their home games at Cardiff City FC’s Stadium – appropriately also known as the Bluebirds – in their most recent European campaign in July 2023, welcoming over 3,500 supporters through the gates as we created history by winning a tie for the very first time when Haverfordwest defeated KF Shkëndija of North Macedonia on penalties.

This time around, the team will be playing a little closer to home – albeit a a 1 hour and 10 minute drive from Haverfordwest.

The home of the Scarlets regional rugby team in Llanelli has a proud history of hosting top-level football, with the Wales men’s and women’s national teams having played internationals there, most recently last year when Cymru’s women’s team took on Ukraine and Kosovo in qualifiers for Euro 2025.

The 14,547-capacity arena also hosted three successive JD Welsh Cup finals between 2008 and 2011, with Bangor City defeating Aberystwyth Town and Port Talbot Town before Llanelli Town AFC beat the Citizens in the most recent final to be held at the ground.

Scarlets Managing Director Jon Daniels said: “We are immensely proud of the facilities we have here at Parc y Scarlets and are thrilled to be hosting Tony Pennock and his Haverfordwest team at the stadium for such an important fixture.

“We have hosted high-profile international, European and domestic matches since the Parc was opened in 2008 and the team here are looking forward to being part of Haverfordwest’s European adventure in the UEFA Conference League this summer.”

#football #Haverfordwest #HaverfordwestCountyAFC #Llanelli #ParcYScarlets #UEFAConferenceLeague