Scarlets managing director Jon Daniels has dismissed suggestions of a merger with Ospreys as speculation, insisting no such proposal is currently on the table. His comments come after the Welsh Rugby Union outlined plans to reduce the number of professional regional teams in Wales from four to three by 2028, with Cardiff and Dragons already earmarked for licences, leaving Scarlets and Ospreys competing for the remaining west Wales spot.

Daniels called on the WRU to be more transparent about the reasoning behind the cut, saying the governing body has not shared the data used to justify reducing from four teams to three. He argued Welsh rugby should be able to sustain four regions, as other nations such as Ireland do, and said any reduction should not be seen as a problem isolated to west Wales alone. The WRU has said the decision-making process will begin in December and conclude before the end of the 2026-27 season, and Daniels said Scarlets must ensure the uncertainty does not affect performances on the pitch, pledging that players, staff and supporters would "fight" for the region's future.