Former World Rugby referee Nigel Owens has expressed deep sadness over the potential cutting of a Welsh professional region, warning that merging teams will not bring in crowds. He believes the current situation in Welsh rugby is "incredibly sad" and that the loss of a team like the Scarlets or Ospreys would have been unthinkable decades ago.
Historic rivalries at risk
Owens highlighted the historic significance of Welsh club rugby, recalling famous victories over international touring sides. He noted that Llanelli's 1972 win over the All Blacks is still celebrated, as are similar achievements by Swansea, Newport, and Cardiff. He stressed that the possibility of no Llanelli or Scarlets team, or no Ospreys, is a sad development.
He described the Scarlets-Ospreys derby as the most difficult and eagerly anticipated match to referee, especially the Boxing Day fixture, which often drew full houses. Now, that rivalry is at risk, with the potential for only one team in west Wales.
Academy system blamed
Owens pointed to the end of the national academy as a key mistake, arguing that the WRU-run system produced talents like Sam Warburton and Dan Biggar. He believes the current regional academies are not as effective and that the structure needs to be sorted before any regional cuts are made.
He also noted that many players drop out after junior rugby, and a better pathway is needed to retain talent. He suggested a national academy under WRU control, with players filtering into four regions.
Identity and belonging
Owens emphasized that Welsh rugby is built on tribal identity, and fans will not switch allegiance. He argued that merging teams will not increase attendance, as supporters feel no sense of belonging to a new entity. He compared the situation to Ireland's provinces, which had existing identities that grew with success.
He warned that even a successful merged team might struggle to draw crowds, as seen with Pontypridd fans preferring to watch other clubs rather than support Cardiff. He stressed that rugby is an identity in Wales, and people will not watch a team they don't feel is theirs.
Uncertain future
Owens expressed uncertainty about the future, hoping he is wrong but doubting that cutting a region will improve things. He noted that while the Principality Stadium succeeded as a national venue, that was due to a national sense of belonging, which may not apply to a merged team.
He called for careful consideration before making irreversible decisions, highlighting the importance of the Scarlets-Ospreys derby as a major fixture. He concluded that understanding why that derby has lost its appeal could guide the way forward.
