Editor‘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.
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Rosie Walters