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Scarlets vow to remain at heart of west Wales
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.
In short
- Scarlets and Ospreys face a fight for west Wales’ sole future licence.
- WRU plans to cut professional Welsh teams from four to three.
- Swansea Council will resume legal proceedings against the WRU.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Reducing four professional teams to three could concentrate funding and talent, helping Welsh rugby field more competitive sides and use limited resources more effectively. Scarlets’ recent recruitment and leadership changes may support their case for a western licence, while a clear selection process could weigh performance, sustainability and regional reach.
The case against
Removing one western licence risks weakening rugby’s presence in either Llanelli or Swansea, with consequences for supporters, local identity and the player pathway across west Wales. The case for retaining both teams, or finding a merger that preserves their communities, is strengthened by concerns that the reduction has not been sufficiently justified and by public investment in Ospreys’ St Helen’s redevelopment.
Explained simply
Professional rugby in Wales is organised around regional clubs that represent broad areas rather than individual towns. Scarlets are based in Llanelli and Ospreys in Swansea, and both draw support from across west Wales.
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), which governs the sport in Wales, plans to reduce the number of professional teams from four to three by 2028. Cardiff and Dragons have been guaranteed places, leaving Scarlets and Ospreys competing for one western licence unless they combine.
The decision could affect where professional rugby is based and how supporters in the region are represented. Swansea Council is also involved through its plans for Ospreys’ St Helen’s ground and its challenge to the WRU’s case for a single west Wales team.