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.
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