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.

Related articles

• Llanelli mayor blasts WRU over Scarlets future as town rallies behind ‘Save Our Scarlets’ march
• Save Our Scarlets, urges town council
• ‘Save Our Scarlets’ march planned as WRU consultation sparks fears for region’s future
• Llanelli MP: Parc y Scarlets must be central to Welsh rugby’s future

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

Native fish introduced to control invasive species in Carmarthenshire

The carefully planned introductions of European perch (Perca fluviatilis), have taken place at five sites in the county: Sandy Water Park; Morolwg, Ashpits, Lower Lliedi reservoir in Llanelli, and a private pond in Cynheidre.

Their introduction follows extensive research into predator-prey relationships. Perch, a native species, have been identified as a natural predator of Topmouth Gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva) and provide an effective method of population control without the need for chemical intervention.

Topmouth Gudgeon is classified as a ‘Category 5 Species’ under the Import of Live Fish Act 1980 (ILFA), indicating it is one of the most potentially damaging non-native fish to invade Western Europe. Its presence threatens native wildlife and habitats, and its rapid spread could have serious national ecological consequences.

The evidence-based control programme has been funded by Welsh Government and developed by NRW working closely with Carmarthenshire County Council, Llanelli Rural Council, Swiss Valley Angling Association, and a private landowner.

Beth Greenfield, Specialist Advisor for Invasive Non-native Species (Inns) management, NRW, said: “By introducing a natural predator, we are taking a proactive and sustainable approach to managing invasive fish populations while supporting native biodiversity.

“While chemical treatment is the most effective method for managing Topmouth gudgeon in the UK, these particular sites have been evaluated and found unsuitable for such measures due to their size and connectivity with other water bodies. In these circumstances, the use of perch offers a viable alternative to managing the invasive fish population.

“This initiative is based on rigorous scientific research, and our team will closely monitor the effectiveness of the approach through regular surveys and advanced molecular analysis techniques.”

NRW say that local anglers and residents may notice increased activity around these water bodies, including the presence of its teams conducting fish introductions, setting up monitoring equipment, and performing regular ecological surveys. NRW say the community’s cooperation and support are invaluable in protecting local aquatic ecosystems.

(Lead image: Natural Resources Wales)

#Carmarthenshire #Cynheidre #Environment #fish #Llanelli #LleidiReservoir #NaturalResourcesWales #NRW #SandyWaterPark