Welsh Premiership expansion limited to 13 clubs after Llanelli exit
- Published
Llanelli have already withdrawn from next season's Welsh Premiership
Only 13 clubs will contest the Welsh Premiership next season following Llanelli's shock withdrawal.
The competition was due to be expanded from 12 to 14 clubs from 2023/24.
However Llanelli announced last month it was pulling out due to player demands from Scarlets amid budget cuts.
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has opted against granting an extra place to a team from the Championship and confirmed only two teams would be promoted at the end of the season.
As the league table stands, that would see Pontypool and Neath promoted to the Premiership.
A WRU statement said: "We have now received official correspondence in writing from Llanelli RFC confirming its decision to not participate in the 2023/2024 Indigo Premiership season.
"The WRU confirms, on behalf of the "Competitions Committee" and the "Community Game Board", that two teams will still be promoted to the Premiership from the Championship as per its "Rules and Regulations". This means the 2023/2024 Indigo Premiership will contain 13 teams."
The decision comes a day after Llanelli's scheduled Premiership game against Merthyr was been cancelled because Llanelli were unable to raise a side.
Given the proximity to the end of season, Merthyr said the clubs were unable to agree an alternative date.
Merthyr were awarded five points to move up to second in the Premiership table and are guaranteed a play-off place. Their final game against Cardiff is likely to determine which side claims a home semi-final.
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Failing to fulfil Saturday's fixture is the latest blow in a sorry season for Llanelli, who have only won two league matches this term.
The club confirmed it was pulling out of the league due to extra games in an expanded 14-team league, plus a greater demand to provide players to the Scarlets following budget cuts and likely World Cup call-ups at the professional region, they would be unable to field a team.
Scarlets heritage director Rupert Moon said the decision was "for the good" of Llanelli, which celebrated its 150th anniversary last year, and the region.
Llanelli were one of the 11 founding clubs of the WRU in 1881 and one of the most famous names in world club rugby, producing legends such as Phil Bennett, Ray Gravell, Delme Thomas and Ieuan Evans.
The club plans to play "competitive friendlies" next season to continue developing players for Scarlets.