Rallying call to protect rugby in the west

POLITICIANS and councillors in Carmarthenshire have spoken out following the WRU announcement about the future of regional rugby in Wales.

- IAN LEWIS

Welsh rugby's governing body proposes to cut one professional team in the coming years, invest more in club-level rugby and revamp both the academy arrangement and women's game.

The Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff and Dragons all faced an anxious time as talks went on, with initial suggestions indicating only two clubs would survive, but the WRU announced on Friday their intention to go from four to three clubs.

No exact timescale has been offered, but the WRU is keen to reach the desired number as soon as possible. Geographically, the three clubs would see one based in the east, one in Cardiff and one in the west.

Despite WRU chairman Richard Collier-Keywood denying that the governing body was pitting clubs against each other, it's hard not to read the "one club in the west" part as becoming a shootout between Llanelli-based Scarlets and the Swansea-based Ospreys.

Responding to the WRU proposals, Plaid Cymru's elected representatives in Carmarthenshire, Cefin Campbell MS, Ann Davies MP and Adam Price MS, said in a joint statement: "The WRU's most recent plans continue to represent an obvious threat to the future of professional rugby in Llanelli and Carmarthenshire, which is something we as elected members for the area must oppose at a fundamental level.

"The Scarlets contribute so much to the sport at a national level, to the economy of Llanelli and Carmarthenshire, and they are central to the identity and culture of the area. We once again call on the WRU to reconsider their plans and to ensure that any proposals protect the future of professional rugby in Carmarthenshire."

The decision, which was made public last Friday, was the conclusion of an extensive consultation and engagement programme. There were more than 7,000 responses, and over 31 face-to-face meetings took place throughout September with key stakeholders.