The Scarlets have responded to growing speculation about their future by revealing they have landed significant new investment, firmly rejecting claims about the club's potential demise.
Rumours circulated at the start of the week alleging the were in trouble but their board says it is committed to ensuring a long-term future for the club. The Welsh Rugby Union is planning to reduce the number of professional clubs in Wales from four to three, meaning the future of the game in Wales is uncertain.
But the Scarlets say they are in better health than many feared, despite both themselves and the still being on the old Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA23).
The two west Wales regions refused to sign the new financially-improved PRA25 last year, which and the Dragons are both on -
Both teams could yet face a shootout for the one west Wales licence going forward under the WRU plans.
JOIN OUR WALES RUGBY FACEBOOK PAGE
"The Scarlets Board can confirm that the club has secured significant further investment for the future stability of the club and region," read a Scarlets statement.
"The investment is an important vote of confidence in the Scarlets, in , the enduring strength of our rugby heritage and in the future of professional rugby in the region and its links to sport, community and culture in west Wales.
"The club’s priority and focus continues to be about protecting its future, providing stability for players, staff, stakeholders and supporters, and creating the time needed to consider the next stage of professional rugby development in Wales properly and responsibly.
"The additional investment is provided from within our existing funding group who are committed to the future of the club and who deeply understand Scarlets rugby and its importance to Welsh rugby and west Wales.
"We would like to thank our supporters, staff, players, partners and the wider Scarlets community for their loyalty and patience during a difficult period. Their belief, loyalty and support of our club has never wavered.
"Neither has ours as the Scarlets Board."
The Scarlets board has invested money into the club to ensure they can move forward with recruitment and retention.
Over the past few weeks the club has been linked with the likes of Leinster hooker John McKee, Wales prop Corey Domachowski and Welsh-qualified Canterbury Crusaders lock Tahlor Cahill.
Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our and our for all the breaking news.
