Llanelli RFC has announced the club will withdraw from next season's Welsh Premiership.
The famous team, synonymous with Welsh rugby, plan to not take part the competition for the 2023/24 season in order to focus on player development for the Scarlets.
However, they add they still intend to play a part in any proposed new development competition from 2024/25 - with a new elite eight-team league currently being devised to sit between the professional and the community games.
Llanelli said it had voted at a board meeting to give notice to the Welsh Rugby Union of its intention to withdraw. The Union have since been notified of the decision, while Llanelli's players and staff have also been told the news.
In a statement, the club cite the rising number of games - with 30 league and cup fixtures scheduled for next season - as well as significant pressure on providing players to the Scarlets during the World Cup. "Once in a generation cost pressures" were also factored into the decision.
The club will still fulfill all five remaining Indigo Premiership fixtures this season. They currently sit at the bottom of the table, having also finished as the basement side last season.
As for next year, the club will continue to operate and intend to play competitive matches as a development team next season.
With regards to the elite league proposal the following year, Llanelli state: "Withdrawal from the Premiership in 2023/24 should not in its view preclude Llanelli RFC from being part of any proposed new development competition in 2024/25, which could come under the remit of Welsh Rugby’s Pro Rugby Board (PRB) and Rugby Management Board (RMB) to underpin the professional game."
The decision has the backing of the Scarlets Board and its Executive, including head coach Dwayne Peel. Offering his support, Scarlets general manager, Jon Daniels, said that Llanelli "has been and continues to be a vital part of the development of young talent for the Scarlets".
In years gone by, the Llanelli name in Welsh rugby was synonymous with the likes of Phil Bennett, Ray Gravell, Delme Thomas and famous victories over New Zealand and Australia. In more recent times, the likes of Liam Williams, Owen Williams, Jonathan Davies and George North all played for the club at an early stage of their careers before going on to win international honours.
Former Wales coach Gareth Jenkins, who currently serves as Scarlets heritage director, said Welsh rugby couldn't afford to "take our eye off the ball" when it came to developing young players, adding: “Next season brings a set of unique rugby challenges in terms of season structure, player availability and we know well the impact of injuries and suspensions on performance, so to have Llanelli RFC working cohesively alongside the Scarlets to help support their season and future player development is really vital.”
Another Scarlets heritage director, former Llanelli scrum-half Rupert Moon, backed the "bold decision" as he explained why the 14-team Premiership next season wasn't an ideal competition for developing players.
“This may seem to be a bold decision, but it is made with responsibility and common-sense at its heart," he said. "For the good of Llanelli RFC and Scarlets, the club must stay true to its purpose and focus on helping develop and support future Scarlets and Wales players next season.
“Llanelli RFC can be stronger and more focused as a result of this decision with a streamlined and structured season focusing solely on player development, training and support with the intention to play some exciting, meaningful and high-profile competitive fixtures outside the Premiership calendar next season.
“The new-look Premiership next season is not a model for player development. The semi-pro and pro rugby seasons don’t align.
"The pressures of a 30-fixture Premiership season for Llanelli RFC without senior development players being available as they integrate with Scarlets, plus increased financial pressures and player availability issues in a World Cup year means competing next season in the Premiership competition is just not possible. Llanelli RFC simply would not be able to fulfil all its fixtures next season, which would disrupt the competition and stretch its resources too far, detracting from its key purpose to bring young players through.
“We fully appreciate and respect how passionate our supporters and partners are about rugby in this part of the world and with their support, understanding and unity we can stay true to our values a rugby community, protect our heritage and support our future success in challenging times.”
In a statement on Tuesday night, the WRU said they would meet on Wednesday to discuss the situation.
"The Welsh Rugby Union has called a Community Game Board tomorrow (Wednesday) to discuss the stated intention of Llanelli RFC to withdraw from the Indigo Premiership for the 2023/24 season," it read.
"The WRU has sympathy with Llanelli RFC and has already reached out to offer support wherever possible. The WRU is grateful to the club for speaking out at this time and also for confirming its commitment to fulfil the remaining fixtures of the current season
"The CGB will discuss the very real issues Llanelli have raised and decide on any next steps in full consultation with Premiership clubs."
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