Cutting rugby region 'like losing a best friend'

Scarlets fan Alan Evans worries his team might be cut, which he says would be "like losing your best friend"

"If Scarlets went it would be a disaster for us as a community. It would be a huge loss, like losing your best friend."

That is how lifelong rugby supporter Alan Evans, from Hendy, Carmarthenshire, reacted to Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) proposals to cut its professional men's teams from four to two.

The organisation's chief executive Abi Tierney said it had "to do something radically different" as the current rugby model was "no longer delivering what our game needs", when the proposals were unveiled on Wednesday.

But some fans and critics said the move would "alienate a lot of supporters" and could have far-reaching consequences for the future of the game in Wales.

Richard Collier-Keywood (left), Dave Reddin (centre) and Abi Tierney (right) announced the WRU's plans at the Principality Stadium on Wednesday

The WRU insisted no decisions had yet been made, but revealed four potential options for the future of the sport.

It said cutting the number of professional teams to two would be the best options, but also proposed keeping four regions with unequal levels of funding, or cutting to three professional teams, either with equal or unequal funding.

The WRU also admitted cutting two regions could start a legal battle.

A consultation will start on 1 September, with a final decision expected mid-October.

Wales' four regions are Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets.

In an interview with ITV, WRU Chair Richard Collier-Keywood said the organisation had been "very conscious" of the impact on fans but hoped strengthening Super Rygbi Cymru (SRC) and grassroots rugby would earn their support.

He added going forwards there would be fans of individual players, a comment which has been criticised by fans on social media, adding "winning teams" would inspire wider fan engagement.

Mr Evans said rugby was part of Welsh "culture" and "tradition", calling the potential loss "like taking emotion out of marriage."

"It is a sad day for rugby in Wales," he added.

He said he feared Scarlets could be one of the regions cut, which would be "a disaster" for Llanelli, where rugby has been played for 150 years.

"It would mean losing 5,000 regular supporters in south Wales," he warned.

Mr Evans said he would not switch to supporting Ospreys in Swansea.

"I think Llanelli will rebel," he said.

"If Scarlets are to suffer, I hope we join an English league to keep our identity."

In a message to fans, Jon Daniels, Scarlets managing director, acknowledged it was a difficult time, but said the club would "engage positively in the process" and put its best foot forward to show why it is "critical to Welsh rugby".

He added it was a difficult time for the people employed at the club as well, with many employees, suppliers and contractors concerned about their futures.

"We're very proud of our facilities and the stadium here, we have strong board, commercial backing, and a great history in talent development, and that's the things we're going to focus on and drive forward," he said.

"We drive a large proportion of the economic development of the county and [people] want to know that we'll still be here in the future."

"You cannot mix the Ospreys and the Scarlets," says Ospreys fan Jaff

Denise and Jaff, were on a day out in Newport when they found out about the proposals.

Jaff, 66, said: "I'm an Ospreys fan. You cannot mix the Ospreys and the Scarlets."

His 68-year-old wife and Dragons fan, Denise, also said she was unhappy with the proposed changes, adding that the current four-region setup was "really nice" as it is.

She added: "You'll get people saying 'I don't want any Dragons in my team'.

"I don't know how this mix will work."

Lynn Glaister, chair of Cardiff Rugby supporters group CF10, said its supporters are "very worried" about the club's future

Chair of Cardiff Rugby supporters group CF10 Lynn Glaister, said her "first thoughts are with the staff and players" after recent financial challenges.

The club was taken over by the WRU in April.

She explained how its fans are "very worried" about the club's future but would take part in the consultation.

"We've got a fantastic history as a club, and we want a fantastic future," Ms Glaister said.

"We stand ready to make our case for Cardiff to survive."

She added it would be a "travesty if the capital city of Wales didn't host a team with Cardiff in the name".

Ryan Price, treasurer of the Dragons Official Supporters Club says Welsh rugby's situation is "incredibly frustrating"

Another fan who has voiced frustration at the proposed changes to Welsh rugby is Ryan Price, treasurer of the Dragons Official Supporters Club.

He said the consultation was meant to be open, "but at the same time you have a statement from the chief executive saying it is very difficult to see a situation where Cardiff is not part of that solution".

While he accepted "radical change" may be needed, he said he found it hard to envisage supporting entirely new teams and names.

Mr Price added: "We are comparatively lucky, we are only 30 miles on the train from Gloucester.

"There are opportunities to support top level rugby that hasn't been pulled out from under your feet."

Rhodri Irranca Davies, host of Ospreys fancast The Black Feather said it was "ironic" Ms Tierney spoke about what fans want, "when up until now we really haven't felt like true stakeholders".

Speaking to Radio Wales Breakfast, he said the WRU appeared to have used a "drip-feed strategy", releasing news in small bits to "soften the eventual blow" and "get people used to the prospect before it actually comes".

Additional reporting by Iolo Cheung, Sara Dafydd, Jordan Davies and Tomos Morgan.