Scarlets managing director Jon Daniels has called for greater transparency from the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) as the club’s future hangs in the balance. Welsh rugby's governing body has outlined plans to cut the number of professional teams from four to three by 2028, with Cardiff and Dragons set to be given licences.
That announcement has plunged Scarlets and Ospreys into doubt, with the west licence either being awarded to the Llanelli-based side or the Swansea-based rivals. Daniels dismissed the notion that a merger between the teams - which was close, but ultimately scrapped in 2019 - is a consideration at this stage.
“There is currently no merger proposal on the table, so no, that is not an active discussion,” said Daniels.
“Before we enter that phase of things, we have to collectively understand why we have to go from four to three in the first place.”
What has the WRU decided?
WRU chiefs have said the process to decide the framework for the final decision will begin in December and finish before the end of the 2026-27 campaign. The announcement has raised the possibility that either Scarlets or Ospreys could lose out on a professional licence as the west region is reduced to one team.
Daniels believes there is scope to continue with four Welsh regions, and would like the WRU to explain their rationale for removing a team in the west.
“From a club perspective, we feel that the decision, and the justification, for moving from four [clubs] to three needs more work,” Daniels added.
“I understand that there is data which has been used to come up with this decision. It hasn't been shared. We will really call for transparency in that discussion.
“These are decisions that are going to have a long-lasting effect, not just on rugby, but on communities in west Wales. I think that needs a proper airing publicly.”
“Our position is that before you can come out and make statements which have such an impact on people in Wales, I still feel there is a discussion and justification needed for the move to reduce the number of teams.
“Welsh rugby should be able to accommodate four teams, just as they do in Ireland and other countries.
“If there is data and evidence that we can't, then let's have the discussion about how you reduce the number of teams.
“Even then, I think we would struggle to see how that should be isolated to the west and not be a broader Welsh rugby challenge to face.”
How does Scarlets want to respond?
Daniels says it is Scarlets' duty to ensure the uncertainty surrounding them does not creep into their on-field performance. Instead, he feels the WRU's current stance should unite Scarlets and wants to see everyone, players, supporters and staff, fighting for their future.
Welsh rugby's ins, outs and re-signings for 2026-27 are part of the wider backdrop to the uncertainty, but Daniels said Scarlets must focus on what they can control.
“What we can control is how we prepare for this coming season, and we can show, both on and off the field, why Scarlets is such an integral part of Welsh rugby,” Daniels added.
“The history, the heritage, the Welsh language, and also the facilities such as Parc y Scarlets. [We must] continue to develop Welsh international players as we always have done.
“If this continues, and this is how it will be, we are facing a battle. We have to be up for the fight.
“Our message is that we are here and we aim to stay here, continuing to play a key role in Welsh rugby.
“We are going to fight, and we want them [supporters] to fight with us.”
Daniels has been at Scarlets for over 20 years, and his comments come as the club seeks clarity over the WRU’s long-term plans. The Scarlets have already vowed to remain at the heart of west Wales as the process develops.
The situation also follows other recent developments in Welsh rugby, including Scarlets signing Wales fly-half Anscombe from Bayonne, and the WRU confirming that either Ospreys or Scarlets will be cut under the new structure.
Key Facts
- WRU plans to reduce Welsh professional teams from four to three by 2028.
- Cardiff and Dragons are set to be given licences.
- Scarlets and Ospreys are in doubt over the single west licence.
- The WRU process to decide the final framework begins in December and ends before the 2026-27 campaign concludes.
- Daniels has been at Scarlets for over 20 years.
