Scarlets Fans Rally Against WRU Plans to Cut Professional Regions in Wales

Scarlets fans are organizing and participating in a series of protests and marches to oppose the Welsh Rugby Union's (WRU) proposal to reduce the number of professional Welsh rugby regions from four to two. The fans emphasize the cultural and community importance of the Scarlets, highlighting its Welsh language heritage and its role as a source of local identity and pride. Key figures such as captain Josh Macleod and organizers like Helen Davies and Andrew Gough have voiced concerns that the WRU's consultation process has overlooked the emotional and cultural significance of the clubs to their communities. The protests include a march from Llanelli town center to Parc y Scarlets, timed before the opening game of the season against Munster, to demonstrate strong support and to urge the WRU to reconsider its plans. The proposed restructure has also generated unease among players and other regions, with fears over the future of Welsh rugby and the potential loss of key talent. Fans and players alike are calling for more inclusive dialogue and solutions that better respect the historical and cultural fabric of Welsh rugby.