Uncertainty remains for Scarlets and Ospreys

Scarlets interim director of rugby Nigel Davies says major concerns remain about the future of professional rugby in west Wales.

Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Abi Tierney told an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) this week the governing body were committed to cutting a professional men’s side.

There is due to be a licence awarded in the east, one in Cardiff and one in the west, which could be a straight shootout between Ospreys and Scarlets.

Tierney told the EGM a couple of options in the west could be a merger between Ospreys and Scarlets or the creation of a new entity, although she later stated no decision had been made.

The future of Ospreys and Scarlets is only guaranteed until the summer of 2027 when their current deal with the WRU expires.

Ospreys owners Y11 Sport and Media are still in talks with the WRU to buy Cardiff, who are owned by Welsh rugby’s governing body, with the latest deadline running out on 22 April.

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"There is still a lot of uncertainty," said Davies.

"It is natural that there is concern for everybody and particularly if you are involved with the Scarlets and Ospreys, off the back of the EGM.

"Whether we like it or not, the Welsh Rugby Union, Ospreys and Scarlets are in the same eco-system and have to work together and put our heads together.

"I am sure there are a lot of bruised people from all sides involved with what has gone on over the last few years.

"Ultimately we all want the same. What's good for Welsh rugby.

“We are probably at a point now where we have to decide how we move forward."

Will Davies be part of Scarlets' future?

Scarlets had initiated legal action against the WRU over the Cardiff takeover with both sides refusing to reveal details of the legal verdict, but the Llanelli-based region have provided a recent statement insisting internal investment has secured a viable future.

Davies was brought back by the Scarlets in an interim capacity halfway through the session and was also given a task to put in place a long-term plan to restore success.

"This [Scarlets continuing] has been the scope of the work I have been doing and it has not been any broader than that," said Davies.

"I can't let the outside noise around me affect where we need to be, to move forward and be successful.

"It is up to others whether that was right or not and whether we had the finances and support to do it."

Davies says his plans for the long-term future has been approved by the Scarlets board.

"There is a very strong plan in place and part of my remit coming in here was to put a plan in place to move forward successfully," said Davies.

"That is what I have done and presented it to the board, who have approved it and we are pushing ahead with those plans now.

"The plan is not just mine. It has been put together by with senior coaching staff and senior people within the business so that we are clear that everything is aligned.

"I can't tell you now exactly what those plans are but it is like a domino effect and when it is appropriate we will make the announcements."

So will those plans involve Davies staying in charge?

"We will see," said Davies.

"I have enjoyed being back. It is great to be back around the environment.

"In terms of my own future, that is not what is important.

"What is important is we have got a solid plan and we will measure how we move forward against that.

"There are some huge challenges ahead for us and the game in general in Wales, but there are great opportunities as well.

"The reason I have put the plan together is to provide that certainty in the chaos."

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Ospreys fans criticise WRU three-team plan

Ospreys supporters have also expressed their dismay at the WRU doubling down on reducing a professional side, despite the impending departure of chair Richard Collier-Keywood in July.

A statement from Ospreys supporters club said: "We are extremely disappointed, though not surprised, by the outcome of the WRU EGM, where it was confirmed that plans remain in place to remove one of the elite professional teams in west Wales.

"Despite recent leadership changes, the WRU's position remains unchanged.

"This only reinforces our view that those making these decisions are increasingly out of touch with the very people who sustain Welsh rugby – community clubs, supporters, and local representatives.

"The current situation Welsh rugby finds itself in is not accidental; it is the result of years of chronic mismanagement and neglect at the top of the game.

"Attempting to remove a professional side in order to correct those failings is unacceptable and risks causing lasting damage to the sport in one of its strongest heartlands.

"This approach further exposes a deeply fractured relationship between the WRU and the wider rugby community.

"One characterised by a lack of trust, poor transparency, and decisions imposed rather than earned. It reinforces the sense that the same top-down, heavy-handed culture remains firmly in place.

"We stand firmly behind the need for four competitive professional teams and call on the WRU to urgently reconsider its position, rebuild trust through genuine engagement, and work collaboratively with stakeholders before further damage is done to Welsh rugby."