Scarlets statement: Region defends 'bold' Llanelli RFC decision

Scarlets have withdrawn Llanelli RFC from next season’s Welsh Premiership over fears that it doesn’t have enough players to adequately resource both teams amid the ongoing financial uncertainty surrounding the sport in Wales. The situation is complicated by the pressure of Scarlets having its leading players away at the World Cup in France for the opening months of the season.

A statement read: “Llanelli RFC to focus on player development next season. The club announces its intention to withdraw from the Premiership competition for 2023/24 in light of a ‘unique’ rugby season ahead in Welsh Rugby.

“Llanelli RFC, with the support and agreement of its committee and the Scarlets board, voted at its most recent board meeting that it will give notice to the WRU of its intention to withdraw from the expanded 14-team Indigo Premiership competition next season to focus solely on player development in partnership with the Scarlets.

“The decision has been made in light of an unprecedented season of rugby ahead in Wales which sees the number of Premiership league fixtures and cup games increase to 30, coupled with significant pressures on player availability during the Rugby World Cup and once-in-a-generation cost pressures.

“The 2023/24 season and its pre-season training programmes in the semi-professional and professional games do not align with competitive fixtures planned to start some seven weeks apart – with the Indigo Premiership starting in early September and the professional game at the end of October 2023.

“Llanelli RFC will continue to operate fully and intends to play competitive matches outside of the Premiership calendar as a development team next season, supporting the Scarlets player pathway and true to its heritage, purpose and success in developing future rugby talent from within the region for Scarlets and Wales. Llanelli RFC will fulfil all five of its remaining Indigo Premiership fixtures this season.

“Withdrawal from the Premiership in 2023/24 should not in its view preclude Llanelli RFC from being part of any proposed new development competition in 2024/25, which could come under the remit of Welsh Rugby’s pro rugby board (PRB) and rugby management board (RMB) to underpin the professional game.

“The decision has the full backing of the Scarlets board and its executive, including Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel, as a unique and unprecedented season of rugby approaches in Wales with increased pressures on player availability in professional squads which will be reduced in size due to international call-ups, tighter playing budgets and season average injury rates of 20 per cent.”

Scarlets heritage director Rupert Moon explained: “This may seem to be a bold decision, but it is made with responsibility and common sense at its heart. For the good of Llanelli RFC and Scarlets, the club must stay true to its purpose and focus on helping develop and support future Scarlets and Wales players next season.

“Llanelli RFC can be stronger and more focused as a result of this decision with a streamlined and structured season focusing solely on player development, training and support with the intention to play some exciting, meaningful and high-profile competitive fixtures outside the Premiership calendar next season.

“The new-look Premiership next season is not a model for player development. The semi-pro and pro rugby seasons don’t align. The pressures of a 30-fixture Premiership season for Llanelli RFC without senior development players being available as they integrate with Scarlets, plus increased financial pressures and player availability issues in a World Cup year means competing next season in the Premiership competition is just not possible.

“Llanelli RFC simply would not be able to fulfil all its fixtures next season, which would disrupt the competition and stretch its resources too far, detracting from its key purpose to bring young players through.

“We fully appreciate and respect how passionate our supporters and partners are about rugby in this part of the world and with their support, understanding and unity we can stay true to our values as a rugby community, protect our heritage and support our future success in challenging times.”