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 has committed to meet with Scarlets Executives week commencing November 3 to work through the specifics of the proposal including financial and operational modelling and the club has been promised a fair and transparent process based on clear metrics to reach the final destination.
Scarlets say they are encouraged that the WRU has recognised from the consultation process that brand, cultural identity, heritage and connection to Welsh language is irreplaceable and can be championed for the positive benefit of Welsh rugby and to inspire communities across West Wales.
“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.”
As part of its submission to the WRU Board, Scarlets presented a detailed case which covered:
Elite Performance: Two league titles, 12 European quarter-finals and five European semi-finals – the strongest European record of any Welsh side.
Player Development: Over the last decade, 34% of Wales internationals came through the Scarlets system.
Culture: Scarlets is an anchor for Welsh language and culture in professional rugby Scarlets are rooted in the Welsh-speaking heartland – representing pride, heritage, and identity in every match.
Economic and Community Impact: £17 million added to the local economy each year, over 330 jobs supported, and over 40,000 young people engaged annually through the Scarlets Community Foundation.
Parc y Scarlets – A national asset: Parc y Scarlets is a world-class club rugby facility – 15,400 capacity, 900 hospitality seats, full broadcast facilities, education, conferencing and elite training, recovery and sports science facilities under one roof, Parc y Scarlets is a ready-made high-performance and commercial hub for the professional and community game. It has already hosted international fixtures, Brython Thunder, and even served as a 480-bed field hospital during the pandemic – a testament to its scale and adaptability. No other regional rugby facility offers this combination of capacity, quality and community integration. Parc y Scarlets is a platform for growth that can serve the entire Welsh game.
ENDS
Scarlets Board of Directors: The Scarlets Board is a group of experienced, skilled, passionate business and rugby leaders who have shown a strength of purpose and unity and contributed significant financial support to the professional game, including many who have been leading on the Board for the past 20 years. Simon Muderack (Chairman), Jon Daniels (Managing Director), Tonia Antoniazzi MP, Philip Davies, Emyr Wyn Evans, Huw Evans, Sean Fitzpatrick, Ron Jones, Brian Jones, Rupert Moon, Derek Quinnell, Nigel Short, Glan Wise.
Scarlets: A deep-rooted professional club in Wales with rugby development in its DNA, a high-performance track-record, mindset and drive, and based at a bespoke, modern rugby facility at Parc y Scarlets. Ready and equipped to deliver success, a strong culture and identity that connects players and supporters and a value set embedded in the traditions of the game in Wales.