Llanelli Take First Step On Regional Road

The future’s bright – the future’s Scarlet! That’s the verdict of Llanelli Chief Executive Stuart Gallacher after a lightening tour of the Mid and North Wales region.
Gallacher last week travelled around the region meeting representatives of the clubs and the WRU’s development officer to discuss the role of the professional game in the new region.
“The people I’ve met are highly enthusiastic about the future,” said Gallacher. “There’s a real passion for the game and a depth of talent that has been largely undeveloped up to now.
“The people of Welsh-speaking Wales have always been terrific supporters of the Scarlets, but from here on we really are their team and together I think we can develop the game here to a level that will surprise the rest of Wales and the rugby playing world.
“I know Gareth Jenkins and the coaching team can’t wait to start talking rugby: how we identify, develop and support the emerging talent. The future’s looking good.”
The lightning tour was a precursor for more detailed discussions and activities over the coming months. The agenda will range from schools rugby through the development of an academy, centres of excellence and coaching clinics to commercial ties.
Peredur Jenkins, District Representative for Mid and North Wales said this was an exciting time for rugby in the region. “It’s been great to see Stuart up here and he has listened carefully to our views and is supportive of our needs. Also we’ve been let into Llanelli’s future plans and its ambitions as one of Europe’s top sides and we just can’t wait to be part of it.
“This is the shot in the arm rugby in North and Mid Wales needs desperately. It’s good news for every person playing or supporting rugby in the region. There’s a lot of work to be done to pull together the structure but everyone’s up for it and now the uncertainty is over we are looking forward to getting on with it.”