1
Merger of Ospreys and Scarlets 'more likely to happen than not'
By Online Editors
The Ospreys and Scarlets could merge under radical proposals being discussed for Welsh regional rugby's future.
The scenario, which Press Association Sport understands is more likely to happen than not, could even unfold in time for next season.
The potential merger will be a focal point of talks held by Wales' Professional Game Board on Tuesday.
It is a group that comprises representatives from the Welsh Rugby Union, Scarlets, Ospreys, Dragons and Cardiff Blues.
Establishing a new professional team in north Wales is also high on the agenda in what would be Welsh rugby's biggest domestic shake-up since regional teams were established 16 years ago.
It is understood that the favoured plan is to retain four regional teams, but they would comprise north Wales, an Ospreys-Scarlets merger, Blues and Dragons.
The Scarlets currently play at Parc-y-Scarlets in Llanelli, while the Ospreys use Swansea City's Liberty Stadium for their home games.
Any merger would need to establish a home ground, in addition to issues such as the new team's name and kit.
So-called Project Reset is being played out against a back-drop of Wales chasing this season's Six Nations title and a possible Grand Slam.
They face Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday, followed by Ireland in Cardiff seven days later. Victories in both games would secure a first Six Nations clean sweep since 2012.
Around half of Wales' match-day 23 for the Scotland clash is likely to feature Ospreys and Scarlets players.
And if a merger goes ahead, then players like Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, Jonathan Davies, George North, Ken Owens and Leigh Halfpenny will be part of the same regional squad.
The WRU has not commented on Tuesday's planned discussions.
Senior Wales players did meet with the governing body last week, though, to discuss a number of issues on the future of regional rugby.
Speaking last week, Wales assistant coach Rob Howley said: "It's uncertain times, which is disappointing.
"There is a lot of frustration, not only for the best players in Wales, but for their mates in the regions.
"There is an uncertainty about Project Reset, and they would like to know where they are going to be playing next year or in two years' time."
Press Association
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' weaknesses
3
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy
4
Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu admits anger at Australian rugby
5
Latest Comments
I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.
Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.
Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.
They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.
That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.
Go to commentsGB = England, Scotland, Wales. UK = England, Wales, Scotland, NI
Nothing to stew son.
Go to comments