Llanelli can, and must, have a central role to play in the future of Welsh rugby.
As the Welsh Rugby Union strives to find a constructive and sustainable way forward for regional rugby in Wales, one which strengthens and supports efforts to arrest the alarming slide of our national team, that is something I am certain about – now more than ever.
We have now seen an overview of what the WRU considers to be its “optimal solution” on the number of Welsh regional teams. It seems certain it will be less than the current four. Whether it goes down to two or three still remains a matter of discussion.
And, as part of that debate, we cannot shy away from the fact of what is at stake, not least here in Llanelli where rugby is so deeply embedded in our history and our local communities.
That is why we must continue to put forward a confident, passionate and positive case to retain first class regional rugby at Parc Y Scarlets, recognising and embracing our pride in what has gone before but also emphasising the huge opportunities and potential for us to contribute to the rebirth of Welsh rugby moving forward.
In Parc Y Scarlets, we already have the best regional rugby stadium in Wales both in terms of facilities and capacity. Its well-established hospitality and corporate event experience can also provide a secure underpinning to be used to attract new business and investment into our game – unrivalled by any other rugby venue in the area.
Well connected to public transport and easily accessible, Parc Y Scarlets also has the added benefit over other regional grounds of having additional land around it that could be utilised for further rugby related development.
The Scarlets already have an effective pathway for youth development and a clear commitment to widening participation in the game with a growing womens and girls rugby following too. The potential, therefore, to create a state of the art, regional centre of excellence for all formats of the game based around Parc Y Scarlets should be looked at closely.
Located as a gateway to the whole of West Wales, traditionally and currently, the Scarlets provides a platform for a hotbed of playing talent as well as coaching expertise and they continue to unlock a rich stock of regional and international stalwarts. If that production line is to survive and thrive, then retaining a strong regional rugby presence west of the Loughor bridge will be essential.
Scarlets are the only Welsh club in the Investec Champions Cup this season and will be welcoming English giants Bristol Bears and the Champions Cup trophy holders Bordeaux Begles to our town this coming season.
Scarlets have been a flag-bearer for Welsh Rugby across the international club rugby landscape for so many years with a proud 150 year heritage.
Rugby has long been central to life in Llanelli and West Wales but change is coming. How we react to it now is vital.
However, I remain confident that the Scarlets and the town of Llanelli can continue to be at the forefront of Welsh and European rugby for many years to come.
As if she cared
still around then,is she?
Gee Cee she is simply doing her job and supporting her constituents ( whatever their own political affiliation) . I would expect all MP’s to do the same and why the earth would anyone sensible thing any MP would do otherwise? Your not even local
David Rees I live at the end of her street you knob
Nia will be out soon so it does not matter what she says
Who woke her up, chuck her another pasty
Go back to London griffiths you never do nothing for llanelli
Colin Probert If you’re going to post a comment about anything or anyone make sure that your English grammar is correct. You’ve used a lower case letter fora a person’s name and also used a double negative too.
Frederick Hughes oh the key board worriers are out grow up ffs you read it didn’t you
Colin Probert never doing nothing, means she is actually doing something, so you didn’t get over what you are actually trying to say, which is rather pointless
Colin Probert She’s supporting the Scarlets Colin as a business- which I expect her to do regardless of political affiliation. As a Scarlets Supporter I am surprised that you would be popping shots off at her rather than commend her.
David Rees I’m a season ticket holder with the scarlets and believe me she’s doing this for her own political self not fir anything else
You’re not my idea of a supporter if you undermine the club like this. It’s all about standing together but if you’re too bigoted politically to do so , I can’t stop you. All politicians should be supporting the club. This is NOT the time to squabble on personal politics .
David Rees who’s underlining the club read my post its mia griffiths get your facts right
You want to read other posts about her why your picking on me is a joke ive supported the scarlets home and away for over 50 years just read on
Reform Watch Carmarthenshire not for much longer I hope
How about them paying back the money that they owe carmarthenshire county Council first 🤔
Kevin Lewis I said the same thing yesterday. Whatever happens, since the Americans have invested in the region they should pay the money back with their investment.
If they merge with the Ospreys there’s only one name that they can be called: Turks and Jacks – or should it be Jacks and Turks?
Kevin Lewis I hate being called a fucking Turk, it’s a slur that Llanelli people seem happy to embrace…
It’s just very odd the Ospreys have announced plans for St Helens when surely they knew what’s coming . It’s pretty obvious. Wondering with the new owners if the Scarlets can move to the English league ?
Reform Watch Carmarthenshire 3 years
If Griffiths supports Scarlets they will lose all.
Gee Cee that’s irrelevant . Her duty is to support the business in Llanelli and stand with it as it is yours. You are not going on holiday together for a month!! Stop being so treacherous towards your club
She doesn’t care
Only pay and develop Welsh players in whatever format we end up with.
David Rees what are you talking about? you make no sense old man shut up
The only sensible thing that has come out of her mouth !!!