DUO REVEAL STANCE OVER WRU DEMAND

THE Ospreys and Scarlets have issued a joint statement to explain why they decided not to sign the new Professional Rugby Agreement.

- BEN JAMES Rugby Correspondent

The two independent clubs, along with the Dragons, had been set a deadline of Thursday to sign the new financial deal, following Cardiff's takeover by the Welsh Rugby Union last month after the Arms Park club went into administration.

However, after the deadline had passed, it became apparent that only the Dragons had signed, with the WRU confirming this in a brief statement on Friday night.

The West Wales clubs had been seeking assurances over what the WRU's takeover of Cardiff meant for the new PRA and their own future as independently-owned clubs.

"The Ospreys and Scarlets acknowledge the Welsh Rugby Union's latest statement and the decisions by Cardiff Rugby and Dragons RFC to sign the proposed new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA25)," read the statement from the two clubs.

"As two independent professional clubs, Ospreys and Scarlets have a long-standing commitment to sustainable professional rugby in Wales.

"As key contributors to the success of Welsh rugby now and in the future, we remain committed to finding a solution.

"The WRU's ownership of Cardiff Rugby is a significant change in the professional rugby landscape in Wales.