'The merger is off the table' - Scarlets release some facts and a timeline on merger talks

The Professional Rugby Board (PRB) was formed recently to discuss plans for a radical change to regional rugby in Wales, which could see the introduction of a side in the north of the country and one fewer team in the south.

Earlier on Tuesday, Ospreys chairman Mike James resigned from his post over what he described as "catastrophic" proposals, describing talks that had been christened "Project Reset" as "Project Inept".

Scarlets released the following statement on the merger to supporters everywhere:

" Firstly, we can confirm the statement issued by the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) on Tuesday afternoon as accurate, as are the comments made by Wales’ national coach that the proposed merger was driven by the regions, in consultation with the PRB. 

In late December, the Scarlets received a high-level approach from the Ospreys to explore the option of a merger as they had come to the conclusion that their position as tenants at the Liberty Stadium was proving to be challenging. 

This was discussed at the two-day strategy meeting of PRB on January 8th and 9th. The loss of a region would have put Welsh rugby in breach of its commitment to having four regions playing in the major competitions. As a result, the option of a team playing out of North Wales was raised. 

By the time of the next PRB meeting on February 5, discussions had broken down between the Scarlets and Ospreys and we were told that the Ospreys and another region were in talks over a possible merger, again with North Wales being the option to maintain four teams. 

Subsequently, those discussions also broke down and we were approached again last week by the Ospreys to reconsider a merger. 

Heads of terms were agreed and signed by the Ospreys and Scarlets on March 1 on terms we believe our supporters would be happy with. This was to be proposed at a meeting of the PRB on Tuesday afternoon, but we were told at the start of that meeting that the Ospreys had changed their mind. 

The merger is off the table. 

In recent years, the Scarlets have been building steadily to regain our place as one of Europe’s leading sides. We have a superb stadium, great staff, loyal and passionate supporters and a team to be proud of. We know that the problems regarding Welsh rugby have not gone away but we remain committed to the best interests of the Scarlets and the game in Wales. "

Image Via: Scarlets Rugby