Scarlets have pledged to remain central to rugby in west Wales after Welsh Rugby Union plans to reduce the number of professional Welsh teams from four to three by 2028 put them in direct competition with Ospreys for one western licence. Cardiff and Dragons have already been guaranteed licences, making the decision significant for the future of professional rugby in Llanelli and Swansea unless the two sides merge.

Scarlets, who finished 14th in the 2025-26 United Rugby Championship, say recent recruitment and leadership changes demonstrate their confidence in the future. The WRU’s decision-making process is due to begin in December and conclude before the end of 2026-27, while Swansea Council plans to resume legal action, arguing that one west Wales licence has not been sufficiently justified; it is also investing £5.2m in Ospreys’ St Helen’s redevelopment.