#scarlets — Public Fediverse posts

WRU: Ospreys and Scarlets still haven’t signed Welsh rugby’s new deal — four weeks after Ospreys said they would

Welsh rugby’s two west Wales regions are still unsigned on the deal that was supposed to secure their futures — and the WRU‘s plan to cut professional rugby in Wales from four teams to three remains very much alive in the background.

Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley confirmed on Thursday that the region had not yet signed the new Professional Rugby Agreement — known as PRA25 — despite announcing its intention to do so four weeks ago.

The Scarlets are also yet to commit to the deal, which sets out how professional rugby in Wales will be run, including how much money each region will receive.

Bradley told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast the hold-up was not a cause for alarm. “It’s not signed yet, but it’s progressing towards that, so it’s very close,” he said. “It’s just a few details to sort out, there aren’t any problems with it.”

He also moved to dismiss reports suggesting the new agreement would mean budget cuts for the clubs. “There was some discussion about how you manage recruitment at relatively short notice, but no — there are no plans for a reduction in the budget,” Bradley said.

The two regions are currently signed to an older agreement that runs until 2028. Dragons and Cardiff — currently owned by the WRU — signed the new PRA25 deal in May 2025, which runs until 2030.

The Ospreys and Scarlets had held back from signing last year, releasing a joint statement seeking clarity from the WRU before they would commit. That stand-off triggered a significant escalation from the WRU.

In May 2025, the WRU announced it would move away from a model of four evenly-funded clubs — a move that sent shockwaves through west Wales rugby and fuelled fears for both regions’ survival.

What followed was one of the most turbulent periods in Welsh regional rugby history. Swansea Council went to the High Court seeking an injunction to halt a proposed WRU deal that it said would end the Ospreys. Fans launched a 10,000-signature petition. Politicians, supporters and public figures called for the WRU chair’s resignation.

The Y11 bid to take over Cardiff Rugby also collapsed in April — a significant moment that changed the landscape of negotiations, with the WRU subsequently moving to offer PRA25 to the Ospreys and Scarlets.

The WRU’s subsequent U-turn — offering both regions a professional rugby agreement — was celebrated by campaigners as a massive victory. But the deal still hasn’t been signed, and the WRU’s longer-term plan has not gone away.

The union wants to cut professional men’s rugby in Wales from four teams to three by the 2028-29 season, and has said it will outline the terms of how that will be achieved this summer.

Previous WRU proposals suggested only one team would remain in west Wales — which would mean either the Ospreys or the Scarlets ceasing to exist as a professional side. Bradley said he hoped it would not come to that.

“My personal preference would be that four regions is something that works very well,” he said. “Ospreys against Scarlets is the biggest club game in Welsh rugby — everybody likes to hate everybody else, but it’s a fantastic game and a fantastic rivalry, and I’d like to see it continue if possible.”

He added that the regions would need to see the full details of the WRU’s three-team plan before drawing any firm conclusions about what it would mean for west Wales rugby.

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WRU: Cardiff Y11 ownership bid collapses
Y11 Sport and Media withdrew from the Cardiff Rugby bid process as the WRU moved to offer PRA25 to the western regions.

Welsh rugby regional duo seeking clarity on Professional Rugby Agreement
The Ospreys and Scarlets released a joint statement seeking clarity from the WRU before agreeing to sign the new deal.

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The WRU said it would move away from four evenly-funded clubs after the Ospreys and Scarlets declined to sign PRA25.

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SCARLETS: Club welcomes WRU lifeline and signals new investment as season ticket sales surge

The Scarlets have welcomed the Welsh Rugby Union’s offer of a Professional Rugby Agreement, saying the development brings “increased stability, security and clearer governance” to professional rugby in west Wales.

The club confirmed it will undergo due diligence before signing the agreement, which was announced by the WRU this week as part of a wider U-turn that also saw the proposed sale of Cardiff Rugby to Y11 Sport & Media collapse. The Ospreys are expected to sign shortly too, bringing all four Welsh professional clubs onto the same contractual footing for the first time.

The deal offers what the club described as “a more equitable framework for the professional game” and the Scarlets said they would continue to engage constructively with the WRU on its future strategy.

The announcement comes alongside confirmation of significant new investment into the club from its funding group. In a statement, the Scarlets described it as “a clear vote of confidence in Llanelli, in our heritage, and in the future of professional rugby in West Wales.”

That investment followed a period of acknowledged financial difficulty at the club. Earlier this month, the Scarlets confirmed significant new funding from within their existing funding group in a carefully worded statement that thanked supporters for their “loyalty and patience during a difficult period” — language that resonated widely with fans who had watched months of uncertainty unfold. The club declined at the time to detail the scale of the difficulties or the level of investment secured.

The club also reported strong early uptake on season ticket sales this week, alongside renewed commitments from key sponsors and partners — a sign, the club said, of renewed momentum and positivity around the region.

Last weekend’s Welsh derby at Parc y Scarlets provided further evidence of the club’s pulling power, with more than 1,000 hospitality places sold out and a crowd of over 9,000 in attendance. A community festival involving more than 500 junior players from grassroots clubs across the region also took place on the day.

The Scarlets said they would be making a series of rugby recruitment and retention announcements in the coming weeks, with a new performance programme in place aimed at returning the club to top-tier play-off contention.

The wider political reaction to the WRU’s announcement has been strongly positive, with Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart — who launched legal action against the WRU during the campaign to protect the Ospreys — calling the outcome “a major win,” and MP Torsten Bell describing it as “a massive victory” for fans and campaigners.

The development has also been welcomed by Senedd candidates in Sir Gaerfyrddin, where earlier this week Labour, Plaid Cymru and independent candidates united to demand scrutiny of the WRU’s west Wales merger plans — arguing that the loss of the Scarlets would be devastating for the Carmarthenshire economy and culture.

The Ospreys have also responded positively. The region’s chief executive has spoken of his optimism for the future following confirmation that the club will also be offered the agreement and that plans for a redeveloped St Helens stadium in Swansea are proceeding.

The WRU has been clear, however, that its ambition to move to three professional clubs by the end of the 2027/28 season remains unchanged. CEO Abi Tierney said the union was “undeterred” from that goal, with a decision on how to implement the strategy expected by June. The agreement provides near-term stability — but the longer-term picture for all four regions remains unresolved.

Nonetheless, the Scarlets expressed confidence in the club’s direction, saying the hard work, energy and forward focus at the club on and off the field “continues at full pace” — with further announcements on the playing squad and recruitment to follow in the coming weeks.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

WRU: Cardiff Y11 ownership bid collapses
The full story of the WRU’s announcement and the collapse of the Cardiff sale.

WRU: ‘A massive victory’ — reaction as Ospreys and Scarlets handed lifeline
Political reaction including Rob Stewart’s exclusive video response.

Ospreys: Jones positive for region’s future after Y11 Cardiff collapse
The Ospreys’ response to the same announcement.

Scarlets: Club confirms ‘significant’ new investment after difficult period amid financial rumours
Our earlier coverage of the funding announcement that preceded this week’s news.

WRU — all our coverage
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WRU: ‘A massive victory’ — reaction as Ospreys and Scarlets handed lifeline in Welsh rugby U-turn

The announcement that the Welsh Rugby Union will offer the 2025 Professional Rugby Agreement to both the Ospreys and Scarlets has been met with celebration and relief across south and west Wales — but also with sharp words for the union over the months of uncertainty that preceded it.

The WRU confirmed this week that Y11 Sport & Media has withdrawn from its bid to purchase Cardiff Rugby, that Cardiff will remain under WRU ownership for now, and that both the Ospreys and Scarlets will be offered the PRA25 agreement in line with Dragons RFC and Cardiff Rugby. The WRU has been clear, however, that its ambition to move to three professional clubs by the end of the 2027/28 season remains unchanged, with a decision on how to implement that strategy expected by June.

Here is how some of those who campaigned for the regions have responded.

Rob Stewart, Swansea Council leader and Labour candidate for Gŵyr Abertawe

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart, who launched legal action against the WRU and called in the competition watchdog during the campaign to save the Ospreys, described the outcome as a major win.

Rob Stewart said: “Today the WRU have announced the deal to sell Cardiff to Y11 is off and a new Professional Rugby Agreement is being offered to the Ospreys and Scarlets — ensuring four teams remain potentially until 2030,” he said.

“Let me be clear — this is a major win for the campaign to save the Ospreys that I’m proud to have been a part of.

“The Ospreys will be playing at a redeveloped St Helens from the start of next season, which will be fantastic for the city, our local economy, and the Ospreys supporters.”

Stewart was also blunt in his criticism of the WRU’s handling of the saga. “We could have been in this position a year ago had the WRU not presided over chaos and confusion. The clubs and the union have suffered financially and fans and our game have faced unnecessary uncertainty. This was completely avoidable and the leadership of the WRU have to take responsibility for the crisis they caused.”

However, the WRU’s own statement makes clear its three-club ambition remains firmly in place. CEO Abi Tierney said the union remains “undeterred from our ambition to move to three professional sides,” with a decision on implementing that strategy expected by June. The PRA25 agreements provide near-term stability — but the longer-term picture for all four regions is still unresolved.

Torsten Bell MP, Swansea West

Torsten Bell, the MP for Swansea West who has been among the most vocal critics of the WRU’s handling of the Ospreys crisis, called the announcement a turning point.

“Today is a huge moment. Fans, and those of us who campaigned relentlessly alongside them against WRU’s chaotic reforms to Welsh rugby, have won a massive victory,” he said.

“The WRU have backed down and the Cardiff deal is off. More importantly the Ospreys will sign a new agreement with the WRU for the next four years — seeing the club into the next decade with a significant funding boost.

“So the attempt to force the Ospreys out of professional rugby with no proper process has been defeated.

“Crucially, this means the exciting development of St Helens will now be going ahead. Professional rugby is coming back to the centre of Swansea.

“Today is a vindication for everyone that stood up to be counted. I want to congratulate the fans and clubs for what they have achieved.”

Carl Peters-Bond, independent candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin

Peters-Bond, who joined politicians from Labour and Plaid Cymru earlier this week in calling for Senedd scrutiny of the WRU’s west Wales plans, welcomed the development but echoed the sentiment that much of the damage had already been done.

“I’m delighted that the WRU board have finally seen sense and regional rugby will continue in Llanelli and Swansea,” he said. “Rugby is more than just a sport — it’s part of our culture and an important part of our region’s economy.

“It’s just a shame that it has taken over a year of uncertainty causing anger, frustration and confusion for fans, players and the wider community — something that could have been avoided if the WRU had just listened instead of ploughing on regardless.”

More reaction to follow as it comes in.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

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Our reporter’s full account of the WRU announcement.

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Scarlets: Candidates unite across party lines to demand Senedd scrutiny of WRU’s West Wales merger plans
Yesterday’s cross-party response to the WRU’s EGM position.

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Full archive of Swansea Bay News reporting on the Welsh rugby crisis.

SCARLETS: Candidates unite across party lines to demand Senedd scrutiny of WRU’s West Wales merger plans

Candidates standing in the same Carmarthenshire constituency have united across party lines to demand greater scrutiny of the Welsh Rugby Union’s plans for professional rugby in West Wales, following the WRU’s restatement of its position at an extraordinary general meeting last week.

The WRU used its EGM on April 13 to maintain its stance that only one professional team should represent West Wales — a position that would effectively force a merger between the Scarlets and the Ospreys, ending one or possibly both clubs as independent regional sides. Politicians of all parties are warning that the consequences would be felt far beyond the rugby pitch.

Calum Higgins, Labour’s lead candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, said scrutinising the WRU’s proposals would be a priority if elected on May 7.

“It’s vital for the Carmarthenshire economy and rugby heritage in Llanelli that we have professional rugby here,” he said. “The Senedd should scrutinise the proposals and hold the WRU accountable for their actions.

“There are also lots of fans from the other regions in Carmarthenshire, mainly Ospreys fans who are understandably worried about their future. Any decent rugby fan would be supporting each other during this — we shouldn’t allow the WRU to divide the regional rugby fan base.

“If elected in May, a priority for me will be to scrutinise the proposals from a fan’s point of view. The rivalry between the Scarlets and Ospreys is something to protect and nurture for the future, and this proposal risks trashing rugby heritage in the South West.”

Higgins, a keen rugby fan from Tycroes in Carmarthenshire, was pictured outside Parc y Scarlets.

Carl Peters-Bond, independent candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, said he had attended the Save Our Scarlets march in Llanelli last year and that the stakes went far beyond sport.

“The Scarlets have a huge heritage in the area. The loss of the Scarlets through the WRU’s potential reduction of the number of professional sides would be devastating, not just for the economy of South West Wales — Llanelli in particular — but also for the culture of the region,” he said.

“Rugby here is more than a sport. It’s part of who we are, and it binds our communities together. That’s why I’ll always stand up for the Scarlets and for grassroots rugby across Carmarthenshire.

“This isn’t about party politics. It’s about protecting something that belongs to all of us. The Scarlets are woven into the fabric of west Wales life, and losing them would be a blow we cannot afford.”

The sentiments echo those previously expressed by Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru’s lead candidate for Sir Gaerfyrddin, who backed a petition calling on the WRU to protect the Scarlets’ future during the union’s formal consultation period last September.

Writing on his website at the time, Campbell said dissolving the Scarlets would be “disastrous news not only for Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, and the wider region, but also on a national level.”

“A club that has produced legendary players — from Phil Bennett, Delme Thomas and Ray Gravell, to Stephen Jones and Ken Owens, to name but a few. And away from the pitch, the team contributes so much to the local economy, identity and culture. If this was lost it would leave a massive gap to fill and would lead to disillusionment by ordinary fans of the sport.”

“We will be contributing to the formal consultation process as I hope thousands of others will as well, in order to send a clear message to the WRU that dissolution of the Scarlets is not the solution to the mismanagement of professional rugby in Wales over many years.”

The cross-party response reflects growing concern among Carmarthenshire politicians ahead of the Senedd election, with candidates from Labour, Plaid Cymru, Conservatives and the independent benches all in agreement that the next Welsh Government must use its scrutiny powers to challenge the WRU’s direction of travel. The WRU’s insistence on a single West Wales team raises the prospect of a merger that could mean the end of the Scarlets, the Ospreys, or fundamentally alter both clubs beyond recognition.

Swansea Bay News has reported extensively on the WRU’s plans for the future of professional rugby in Wales, including the reaction of supporters and the broader implications for the Scarlets and Ospreys.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

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Wales international Rogers signs for Ospreys

The 27-year-old has spent the last nine years at Parc y Scarlets after making his senior debut for the west Wallians in 2017.

Having played 88 times for Scarlets as well as winning 13 caps for Wales, including scoring a memorable hat-trick against New Zealand last November, luring Rogers to sign from their rivals will be seen as somewhat of a coup for the Ospreys in an unsettled period of time.

Rogers spoke about the influence Ospreys boss Mark Jones, a former Wales wing himself, brought to help switch to Scarlets bitter rivals.

“I spoke to Mark and a few of the boys about the Ospreys and that played a big role in making the decision to move,” said Rogers.

“The Ospreys have had a lot of success over the years, and I’m really looking forward to testing myself in a different environment.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Scarlets fans for their support during my time at the club, it has always meant a lot to me.”

Scarlets confirmed they tried to keep the Carmarthen-born player at the Llanelli club.Interim director of rugby Nigel Davies said:

“We are obviously disappointed to see him move on. There was a contract offer for him to stay with us and continue his career with Scarlets, but we understand his decision to look for a new challenge.”

Ospreys head coach Jones has admitted that recruitment for next season has been difficult with the region braced to lose Wales pair Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, but insisted signing of Rogers, who can play across the back three positions, was a statement of intent for the club’s future.

“To secure a player of Tom’s ability is nothing short of a coup and a sign of the project we are building here at the club,” said Jones.

“Tom is an excellent, international talent that will add to our already exceptional core of back-three players.

“He’s a bit of a Swiss Army knife in the fact he is equally adept at full-back and wing, and we have no doubt that he will hit the ground running when he comes in next season.

“A big part of our recruitment strategy this season was to secure our young homegrown talent but it was also important to add quality [and] the addition of Tom definitely fits that bill.”

Despite the loss of a promising Wales international, Davies said he remains positive about the current project to rebuild a Scarlets squad who have struggled in URC this season.

“Our focus now is very clear. We are building a squad that is aligned, competitive and capable of driving this club forward,” Davies said.

“We have real strength and depth developing across the back three, with a group that combines international quality with exciting young talent coming through our pathway. That gives us a strong platform to build from.

“There is real momentum building here and we are excited about what lies ahead.”

[Lead image: Scarlets Rugby]

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SCARLETS: Club confirms ‘significant’ new investment after difficult period amid financial rumours

The Scarlets have confirmed they have secured major new funding to secure the club’s future, in a statement that all but acknowledges the financial turbulence that has surrounded the region in recent weeks.

The board released a carefully worded statement on Friday that stopped short of detailing the scale of the difficulties the club has faced, but which thanked supporters for their “loyalty and patience during a difficult period” — a phrase that will resonate with fans who have watched months of uncertainty unfold.

The investment — described as “significant” — has come from within the club’s existing funding group, rather than from new external backers.

The Scarlets issued the following statement in full:

“The Scarlets Board can confirm that the club has secured significant further investment for the future stability of the club and region.

“The investment is an important vote of confidence in the Scarlets, in Llanelli, the enduring strength of our rugby heritage and in the future of professional rugby in the region and its links to sport, community and culture in west Wales.

“The club’s priority and focus continues to be about protecting its future, providing stability for players, staff, stakeholders and supporters, and creating the time needed to consider the next stage of professional rugby development in Wales properly and responsibly.

“The additional investment is provided from within our existing funding group who are committed to the future of the club and who deeply understand Scarlets rugby and its importance to Welsh rugby and west Wales.

“We would like to thank our supporters, staff, players, partners and the wider Scarlets community for their loyalty and patience during a difficult period. Their belief, loyalty and support of our club has never wavered. Neither has ours as the Scarlets Board.”

The language will not be lost on supporters. References to “stability,” a “difficult period” and the need to consider “the next stage of professional rugby development in Wales properly and responsibly” all but confirm that the rumours of serious financial difficulty were well-founded — even as the statement stops short of spelling out what that difficulty looked like.

Notably, the new investment comes from existing backers rather than fresh outside money, suggesting the club’s current funding group has stepped up to plug a gap rather than a new investor riding to the rescue.

The statement arrives against one of the most turbulent backdrops in Welsh rugby’s recent history. The WRU has been pressing ahead with plans to reduce the number of professional regions from four to three — and while the Ospreys have widely been reported as the region under threat, the union has stopped short of confirming that any final decision has been made. That ambiguity will do little to ease nerves in west Wales.

The WRU’s own governance has been in crisis in parallel. Clubs forced an extraordinary general meeting — initially set for April 13 — to hold the union’s leadership to account, in a saga that has lurched from confrontation to apparent resolution and back again. The union’s chair, Richard Collier-Keywood, announced he would stand down in July after months of pressure over the direction of the professional game.

With the regional picture still unresolved, the Scarlets’ statement that they need time to consider “the next stage of professional rugby development in Wales properly and responsibly” takes on added significance — raising the question of whether the club is positioning itself for a future that looks very different to the present.

The Scarlets declined to provide further detail on the level of investment secured, the identity of the investors, or the circumstances that made the additional funding necessary. Swansea Bay News has contacted the club for further comment.

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WRU EGM: Welsh rugby clubs call for extraordinary meeting to be scrapped — after getting what they came for
The district that forced Welsh rugby’s leadership to the brink of a governance crisis called for the EGM to be cancelled.

‘CROSSROADS’ CRUNCH: Defiant WRU boss says ‘unavoidable disruption’ coming as Ospreys axe looms
The WRU chair issued a defiant warning that painful change was coming for Welsh professional rugby.

SWANSEA: Ospreys lifeline as council seals historic St Helen’s deal
A groundbreaking agreement between Swansea Council and the Ospreys offered fresh hope for rugby in the city.

COLLIER-KEYWOOD QUITS: Rugby Union chair says he’ll leave in July
The man behind Welsh rugby’s most explosive reforms announced he would step down after months of pressure.

https://www.europesays.com/uk/860286/ Jamie Roberts names his favourite player but he can’t play for Wales yet #JamieRoberts #Rugby #Scarlets #Sports #UK #UnitedKingdom #WalesRugbyTeam

Leinster return to winning ways against Scarlets while Glasgow power past Benetton

Leinster clinched a 36-19 victory over the Scarlets while Glasgow Warriors claimed a 31-10 triumph against Benetton in…
#Glasgow #UnitedKingdom #UK #GB #Scotland #Headlines #News #Europe #EU #BenettonTreviso #Britain #GlasgowWarriors #GreatBritain #HomePage #Leinster #Scarlets #UnitedRugbyChampionship
https://www.europesays.com/uk/855308/

https://www.europesays.com/uk/855308/ Leinster return to winning ways against Scarlets while Glasgow power past Benetton #BenettonTreviso #Britain #Glasgow #GlasgowWarriors #GreatBritain #HomePage #Leinster #News #Scarlets #Scotland #UK #UnitedKingdom #UnitedRugbyChampionship

https://www.europesays.com/uk/851957/ New Zealand star lines up stunning Wales switch as Scarlets target key Ospreys man #CardiffRugby #Dragons #Ospreys #Premium #Rugby #Scarlets #Sports #UK #UnitedKingdom #WalesRugbyTeam

https://www.europesays.com/uk/851396/ Wales Six Nations star suffers cruel blow and Lance Bradley breaks his silence #Ospreys #Rugby #Scarlets #Sports #UK #UnitedKingdom #WalesRugbyTeam

https://www.europesays.com/uk/840437/ Austin Healey asks the question on Welsh fans’ lips and the response is not great #CardiffRugby #Dragons #EnglishPremiershipRugby #Ospreys #Rugby #Scarlets #Sports #UK #UnitedKingdom

https://www.europesays.com/uk/827249/ England players are over-trained claims Wales & Lions centre Jonathan Davies #Britain #British&IrishLions #Championship #England #Featured #GreatBritain #GuinnessSixNations #Ireland #Italy #Lions #NewZealand #Premium #Scarlets #SixNations #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #WarrenGatland

https://www.europesays.com/uk/824800/ Today’s rugby news as Wales star spots England training problem and Scarlets beaten #Britain #England #GreatBritain #Scarlets #SixNations #UK #UnitedKingdom

WRU: Professional rugby boss quits days before crunch EGM vote

Malcolm Wall, the independent chair of the Professional Rugby Board (PRB), will step down on Saturday when his extended three-year term comes to an end.

His departure comes at a time of unprecedented turmoil for the game in Wales, with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) facing a legal challenge over its plans to cut the number of professional teams from four to three.

An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) is also looming, where clubs will hold a vote of no confidence in both the chair of the WRU, Richard Collier-Keywood, and the chair of the PRB – the role Wall is vacating.

In a parting statement, Wall, a former chairman of Premiership side Harlequins, admitted he was leaving at a challenging time for the sport.

“The last few years have been a challenging time for Welsh rugby at all levels and it is unavoidable that my term has come to its natural end with some issues unresolved,” he said.

Wall acknowledged that while the WRU had done much to improve its governance and culture, the “men’s professional game remains challenged.”

He called for greater funding for the professional clubs, adding: “As the smallest tier one rugby nation, Wales needs to be the smartest. This needs resourcing alongside a collective will.”

“It is not always easy and change brings upheaval – but I have no doubt that the indomitable spirit of Welsh rugby will prevail.”

Wall will be replaced on an interim basis by fellow independent PRB member Marianne Økland, a Norway-born financier who has been on the board since 2020.

Økland takes the helm as the WRU pushes on with its controversial plans to restructure the professional game, which has sparked a legal challenge from both Swansea Council and the Scarlets.

It is not yet clear whether the vote of no confidence in the PRB chair will go ahead now that Wall has departed.

WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood, who also faces a no-confidence vote at the EGM, thanked Wall for his “service and his steady counsel.”

“Our interim arrangement gives us the flexibility to complete a robust appointment process while continuing to work constructively with the professional clubs on the future structure of elite rugby,” Collier-Keywood said.

Incoming interim chair Marianne Økland said her immediate priorities were to “work collaboratively” with all parties to move forward “at pace where possible given the complexity of the task.”

SEISMIC SHOWDOWN: 51 Welsh rugby clubs move to AXE WRU chairman as crisis deepens

Leaked documents have revealed the scale of the growing rebellion, with nearly a fifth of all member clubs now demanding an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) to “save the soul” of the national game.

The move, led by the Central Glamorgan Rugby Union, targets WRU chairman Richard Collier-Keywood and Professional Rugby Board boss Malcolm Wall in a bid to halt controversial plans to cut the number of professional teams from four to three.

It follows weeks of mounting pressure from clubs and intense political criticism over the WRU’s “stitch-up” of the professional game in the west.

Clubs from across our core coverage areas of Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, and Carmarthenshire have dominated the list of rebels, with 23 teams from the Ospreys’ heartland leading the charge.

Local giants such as Bonymaen, Morriston, Swansea, and Gowerton have all put their names to the move, alongside Neath Athletic, Taibach, Baglan, and Aberavon Green Stars.

The revolt has also spread deep into Carmarthenshire, with clubs like Llandybie, Llanybydder, and Laugharne joining the fight as the seismic showdown over the union’s leadership reaches boiling point.

The rebels have put forward three key motions for the EGM, including a vote of no confidence in the leadership and a demand for fresh elections for the four elected WRU council member board positions.

It comes as Swansea Council seeks an urgent High Court injunction to stop the WRU’s deal with Y11 Sports & Media, which many fear would signal the end of the Ospreys as a professional outfit.

In a scathing letter sent to the governing body, the rebels accused the WRU executive board of causing “reputational damage” to the sport through “extortionate” spending on outside consultants.

“If people are paid to do a job and have to use consultants to guide them, then it begs the question if we have the right personnel in those roles,” the letter blasted.

The rebellion has also taken a personal turn, with claims that a “small minority” of the WRU leadership have been “disrespectful” and shared “misinformation” at local meetings.

The clubs are also demanding that any future WRU chair be “immersed in Welsh culture,” have a strong understanding of Welsh rugby values, and ideally be a Welsh speaker living in Wales.

Despite the growing pressure, the WRU boss has insisted the Ospreys are “not doomed yet”, even as the battle for the West Wales rugby licence looms.

For the EGM to go ahead and be valid, at least 94 clubs—one third of the total membership—must be present for the showdown.

‘WE ARE NOT WALKING AWAY’ – Stradey Park Hotel boss makes emotional video plea to Llanelli

Ahsan Ullah, CEO of owner Ullcom Group, has personally addressed the public in a direct message, describing the decision to “pause trading” on Monday as incredibly difficult.

Looking directly into the camera, Mr Ullah has expressed his “deepest regrets” for the “disruption and distress” caused to the hotel’s hardworking staff and the wider community.

The CEO has confirmed that the four-star hotel is currently facing “complex operational challenges” that his team is working “night and day” to resolve.

In a firm promise to the town, Mr Ullah has stated: “Our goal is to return the Stradey Park Hotel to normal operations as a premier destination and a positive asset for Llanelli as soon as humanly possible.”

https://twitter.com/ahsanforbritain/status/2029285918125793791?s=20

The video message follows a wave of community support from other local businesses, including the Swansea.com Stadium and Gateway Resort, who have rushed to offer jobs and venue space.

Mr Ullah has also sought to allay fears about the site’s future, insisting that his focus remains entirely on restoring it as a “hospitality venue for the people of Llanelli and beyond.”

This comes after Llanelli MP Nia Griffith secured a “firm assurance” from the Home Office that the hotel would not be used to house asylum seekers, a move she described as a “devastating blow” to the town.

Addressing the hotel’s staff directly, the CEO has called them the “heart of the hotel” and pledged to support them through the current period of uncertainty.

For guests left in the lurch, Mr Ullah has confirmed that a team is working through every single booking to assist with alternative arrangements or process refunds where appropriate.

The sudden closure earlier this week sent shockwaves through the region, coming just weeks after the hotel announced a major partnership with the Scarlets.

As the investigation into the “operational reasons” continues, the CEO has thanked the public for their “patience, understanding, and continued support” during the crisis.

Llanelli rallies around as businesses offer lifeline to Stradey Park Hotel staff and customers

The iconic four-star venue in Furnace closed with immediate effect on Monday, leaving employees without jobs and couples fearing for their wedding deposits just weeks after the hotel announced a high-profile partnership with the Scarlets.

In the wake of the shock announcement, the local business community has wasted no time in stepping up, with several venues confirming they are ready to help those caught in the fallout.

The Swansea.com Stadium is among those leading the charge, with Mel Bourke, Head of Sales, confirming that their team is standing by to assist anyone whose planned events have been thrown into chaos.

“The sudden closure of Stradey Park Hotel is incredibly sad news, and my thoughts are with everyone affected from staff to couples, families, and organisations,” Mel Bourke has said in a statement.

She added that the stadium team would do “everything we can to support you, guide you through your options, and make the transition as smooth as possible” for those needing a venue at short notice.

According to the Gateway Resort in Bynea, they are also ready to provide immediate employment opportunities for those who have suddenly found themselves out of work.

The resort has confirmed it has positions available from front-of-house to management roles and has urged former Stradey Park staff to get in touch via email at [email protected].

Meanwhile, The New Selwyn Samuels Event Arena has made a generous offer to those who have lost money on bookings, providing free room hire to help ease the financial blow.

“If anyone has lost money – we will offer you a FREE HIRE here at the The New Selwyn Samuels Event Arena,” the team has confirmed, adding that they want to “try and make good of a bad situation.”

The arena, which can be contacted on 077296 55114, has said it can assist with weddings, parties, and proms, even allowing families to provide their own food and decorations to keep costs down.

This surge of community spirit comes as a major relief to many in Llanelli who were left reeling by the hotel’s collapse so soon after its high-profile reopening.

Senedd committee accuses WRU of ‘dereliction of duty’ over controversial plans to cut a Welsh region

In a damning letter, a cross-party Senedd committee told WRU bosses they have “lost the argument” over the future of the professional game and warned them not to find themselves in a position of “winning the vote but losing the soul of Welsh rugby.”

The broadside from the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee comes after a fiery evidence session last week where WRU Chair Richard Collier-Keywood was grilled by politicians.

The WRU has been pushing forward with plans to reduce the number of professional teams in Wales from four to three, a move that has sparked a furious backlash from fans, regions, and politicians alike.

The committee’s letter, signed by Chair Delyth Jewell MS, states that Welsh rugby is in a “perilous state” and that the WRU’s proposals have caused “considerable concern to people across our nation.”

“It is clear the union does not have the consensus needed to move forward with the proposal to reduce the number of regional sides from four to three,” the letter reads. “The WRU must recognise that it has lost the argument over the future of the professional game.”

The committee was particularly scathing about the WRU’s admission that it has no ‘Plan B’ if its current proposals do not progress as planned.

“We were alarmed to hear you tell us that you have no Plan B,” the letter continues. “Were this the case, it could represent a significant dereliction of duty. We urge you to find an alternative approach that continues to stabilise the finances of the Union and maintains confidence, whilst rebuilding trust with clubs and supporters.”

The intervention from the Senedd is the latest blow to the WRU’s leadership, which has faced a furious political backlash and a vote of no-confidence over its handling of the game’s future.

The Ospreys and Scarlets have been particularly vocal in their opposition to the plans, issuing a joint statement condemning the uncertainty that has left the regions in limbo.

The letter concludes with a stark warning to the WRU leadership.

“The people of Wales feel a deep sense of ownership, pride and emotional connection to the game. That connection must be respected and nurtured. The union must not find itself in the position of winning the vote but losing the soul of Welsh rugby.”

Stradey Park Hotel ‘closes with immediate effect’ just weeks after Scarlets partnership announced

The apparent closure marks the latest chapter in a turbulent few years for the hotel, which was at the centre of a prolonged and bitter dispute over plans by the then-Conservative UK Government to house asylum seekers at the site.

There has been no official announcement from the hotel’s owners, but its website is no longer accepting bookings. A member of staff confirmed on Monday that the business was “ceasing trading as of now”.

According to reports, staff were informed of the closure at 4.15pm on Monday.

The news comes just over a month after the Scarlets announced a new partnership with the hotel, which was hailed at the time as a sign that the venue was “moving forward once again” after a “challenging few years”.

The hotel was previously owned by Sterling Woodrow Investments/Gryphon Leisure Limited, but it was confirmed in late 2024 that a majority shareholding had been acquired by Ullcom Limited, a company based in Hounslow.

The original plan to house around 240 asylum seekers at the hotel led to the redundancy of almost 100 staff and sparked months of protests outside the venue, with Dyfed-Powys Police revealing that the cost of policing the demonstrations had run to more than £500,000.

After a series of legal battles and escalating tensions which saw dozens of arrests, the Home Office eventually abandoned the plans in October 2023.

The hotel subsequently reopened in 2024, but the latest development throws its future into doubt once more.

The closure has left some customers out of pocket. One local business owner, Zoë Brinn, said she had booked and paid to host a mental health and wellbeing event at the hotel the previous evening, describing herself as “gutted” and saying she had contacted her bank and emailed the hotel requesting a refund.

Community reaction on social media has been divided. Some residents argued that a prolonged boycott following the asylum seeker controversy had made the hotel’s recovery impossible, while others expressed shock given what they described as a busy bookings diary and a recent upturn in trade.

Llanelli town councillor Shaun Greaney placed the blame squarely on the previous Conservative government, saying the asylum seeker controversy had cost the local economy around £8 million a year and resulted in a policing bill of £500,000.

He said: “The blame for the closure of the Stradey Park Hotel rests firmly with the previous national Conservative Government. Now with the hotel’s latest closure, and the sudden, sad loss of jobs, it is another disaster for Llanelli.”

Cllr Greaney added that the new Labour government was moving away from the policy of housing asylum seekers in hotels, and that any suggestion the hotel could be used for that purpose again was “pure scaremongering”.

Independent councillor Stephen Williams said he had contacted staff directly on Monday evening and met with some of them in person.

He said: “These are hardworking local people who have rebuilt the hotel’s reputation — hosting successful events, welcoming strong bookings, and recently securing an agreement with the Scarlets as their chosen accommodation provider. The business was clearly moving forward. Once again, staff face losing their jobs through no fault of their own.”

Cllr Williams raised questions about the hotel’s business model, noting that some bedrooms were individually owned separately from the main hotel operation, which he said could make finding a quick resolution more complex.

He added: “My priority is the workforce and their families. Llanelli deserves answers — and action.”

New, Independent Llanelli Town Council leader, Sean Rees said his immediate concern was for the staff who have lost their livelihoods without warning.

Cllr Rees said:

“This abrupt closure will cause significant financial and personal anxiety for those employees and their families, and they must now be our priority.

“I have written to the Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council for work to be undertaken swiftly with relevant agencies, including employment support services, to ensure that affected staff receive clear guidance on redundancy rights, access to benefits where necessary, and opportunities for retraining or redeployment within the local hospitality and tourism sector.

“The hotel has long been an important part of Llanelli’s economy and identity. It is essential urgent clarification is given from the owners regarding their intentions.”

Ospreys not doomed yet, says WRU boss as battle for West Wales rugby licence looms

Facing a grilling from the Senedd’s Culture, Communications and Welsh Language Committee, Richard Collier-Keywood said the assumption that the Ospreys would be sacrificed was “not necessarily correct.” His comments come after a deal was struck for the new owners of Cardiff Rugby, Y11 Sports and Media, to potentially own two clubs, sparking fears that the Swansea-based Ospreys would be the casualty in the WRU‘s move from four professional teams to three.

Mr Collier-Keywood confirmed that while Cardiff has been guaranteed the ‘Capital’ licence, the process for awarding the ‘East’ and ‘West’ licences has not yet been decided. This leaves the Ospreys and their West Wales rivals, the Scarlets, to fight it out for the single remaining licence in the west.

“There is one west licence,” Mr Collier-Keywood told the committee. “Going forward I expect that we will carry out a fair and transparent process to determine who gets that licence. We have not done that yet.”

He added that the process would be governed by competition law and could include conditions on where rugby is played, suggesting the winning team might have to play matches across the entire region, not just at their home ground.

Financial justification for cuts

The WRU leadership defended the controversial decision to cut a professional side, arguing that the current model is financially unsustainable.

“The fact remains is we have four teams who do not have enough money to be competitive,” Mr Collier-Keywood stated. “We do not have enough money to fund four teams and fund the necessary rugby infrastructure within Wales to take the participation all the way through to elite pro rugby.”

Board member Alison Thorne added that it was a matter of prioritisation, explaining that funding four teams would mean no money for a national academy, people development, or coach development. “Armed with all the info from finance and rugby perspective your pathways need fixing. That was the overriding message which came from the consultation,” she said.

Trust and transparency questioned

The WRU chair, who is facing a looming EGM that could see him ousted, also faced questions about a breakdown in trust with the regions and a lack of transparency. He revealed that the WRU had been “asked not to turn up” to a recent district meeting in Swansea, a clear sign of the anger in the region over the handling of the situation.

This follows vocal criticism from Swansea leaders, including Swansea West MP Torsten Bell and Council Leader Rob Stewart, who have previously slammed the WRU’s three-club plan as “not fit for purpose.”

Sponsorship concerns

The hearing also touched on the WRU’s commercial challenges. While a new deal has been signed with Principality to continue sponsoring the national stadium, Ms Thorne admitted that there “isn’t a huge demand to be sponsors” following a series of controversies, including issues with women’s contracts and a damning BBC documentary.

The WRU board made the decision to move to three professional teams at the end of October 2024 and are, according to the chairman, just “three months into this process.” However, with the union still committed to providing four teams to the United Rugby Championship (URC) and no compromise yet reached, the future of Welsh regional rugby remains deeply uncertain.

https://www.europesays.com/uk/700374/ Nigel Davies names first Scarlets team as key man returns but Wales star injured #EuropeanChampionsCup #NigelDavies #NorthamptonSaints #Rugby #Scarlets #Sports #UK #UnitedKingdom

https://www.europesays.com/uk/644235/ Scarlets coach Dwayne Peel leaves sister’s wedding, beats Cardiff and dashes back again #Britain #DwaynePeel #GreatBritain #Scarlets #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales

Here we go. #Cardiff versus #Scarlets. This is going to be tough. I like both teams, but I think Cardiff will be stronger tonight. #rugby