Scarlets reaffirm survival stance as WRU presses ahead with three-team plan

Scarlets chairman Simon Muderack has reaffirmed the club's determination to survive the Welsh Rugby Union's planned reduction of professional men's teams, telling the Guardian that the Llanelli side would not disappear. His comments, published on September 28, underline continued opposition in west Wales to a structure that would leave either Scarlets or Ospreys without a place.

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The WRU intends to reduce the number of sides from four to three for the 2028-29 season. BBC Sport reported on September 19 that Cardiff and Dragons were set to receive licences, leaving Scarlets and Ospreys competing for the western allocation. No selection between those two clubs has been announced in the reports.

In the Guardian's interviews, Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies criticised the changing proposals for Welsh rugby's structure and argued that supporters wanted both western teams retained. Muderack questioned why clubs with league titles and no history of administration should be threatened. He did not entirely exclude a merger, but rejected the idea of creating a new west Wales franchise.

The club has also brought former Welsh first minister Carwyn Jones onto its board, the Guardian reported. Muderack advocated more matches against English opposition and greater efforts to attract private investment. Managing director Jon Daniels said the uncertainty made it difficult to give supporters, sponsors and the wider community a clear account of the club's future.

The union's position is that available funding cannot sustain four competitive sides alongside investment in the men's development pathway. Speaking to BBC Sport earlier this month, WRU director of rugby Dave Reddin said the union already provided subsidies amounting to about half of the men's clubs' turnover. He maintained that reducing the number of teams was necessary.

BBC Sport reported that the process to establish the framework for a final decision would start in December and conclude before the end of the 2026-27 season. The WRU plans to bring club leaders and other stakeholders together after Wales' November internationals to examine financial proposals and interest in the new licences.