Off-field issues 'not a distraction' for Scarlets boss Peel

Scarlets are in Durban to take on Sharks in their final URC game of the season.

Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel insists off-field issues will not distract his side as they bid to qualify for the United Rugby Championship (URC) play-offs.

The west Wales region, who climbed to sixth after beating Lions in Johannesburg on Sunday, visit Sharks in Durban in their final game of the regular season on Saturday as they bid to make the top eight and secure knock-out rugby.

Back in Wales the region has refused to sign the new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA25), until it receives further clarity from the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

But Peel says the questions about Scarlets' future has not impacted the squad in South Africa.

"It hasn't been a distraction to us at all out here and we'll keep preparing for the game the best we can and let that run its course back home," Peel said.

The WRU has been working to finalise the new PRA after months of negotiations, offering a glimmer of hope in February when it announced the deal had been agreed in principle.

Wales' four professional regions were given a deadline of 8 May to sign a new five-year agreement, but only Cardiff and Dragons have done so.

The PRA25 deal includes increased and fixed funding of up to £6.5m - up from the current £4.5m - starting next season.

However, Scarlets and Ospreys have yet to commit, citing unresolved "key issues", including Cardiff's recent takeover by the WRU, as reasons for the delay.

The WRU now has the option to trigger a two-year notice period under the terms of the current agreement.

Once that period ends, it holds the authority to revoke the regions' licences to compete in the URC and European competitions.

"It's not something we've spoken about. Obviously, there have been conversations around it but we haven't addressed it formally," Peel said.

"We know that our board is working hard on that and we have full trust in them and they're doing a great job."

Meanwhile, Scarlets will be without Gareth Davies against Sharks at Kings Park after the scrum-half flew home following a rib injury in the win over Lions.

Peel hopes the injury isn't too serious and the 34-year-old will recover in time for the play-offs should Scarlets qualify.

"If we were to make the play-offs I would be hoping he would be back but I don't know is the honest truth.

"He was pretty sore after the game and the medics will take a proper look."