Scarlets chief urges WRU to justify plan to cut Welsh regions
Scarlets chief executive Simon Daniels has challenged the Welsh Rugby Union's proposal to reduce the number of professional regions from four to three, demanding greater transparency and a public discussion before any decision is made.
The Welsh Rugby Union has announced that the process for determining the future structure of professional rugby in Wales will start in December and conclude before the end of the 2026-27 season. Scarlets chief executive Simon Daniels has responded by arguing that there is room for four regions and called on the WRU to explain why a team in the west of Wales should be removed.
Daniels said that, from a club perspective, the decision to move from four teams to three requires further examination. He noted that data used to support the proposal has not been shared and insisted that the discussion should be transparent. He also stressed that such a move would have long-term consequences not only for rugby but for communities in west Wales, and therefore deserved a proper public airing.
According to Daniels, before making statements that affect people across Wales, there needs to be a discussion and justification for reducing the number of teams. He believes Welsh rugby should be able to support four teams, just as Ireland and other countries do. At the same time, he acknowledged that if data and evidence show otherwise, then the conversation should focus on how to reduce the number of teams. However, he added that it would be difficult to understand why the reduction should be limited to the west rather than representing a challenge for all of Welsh rugby.
Daniels also said it is the Scarlets' responsibility to ensure that the uncertainty surrounding the club does not affect their performances on the field. He feels the WRU's current stance should unite the Scarlets, and he wants players, supporters, and staff to fight for the club's future.
