It never ceases to amaze me the level of prejudice amongst some Welsh people towards their own language. Had a meal today with some ‘old friends’ who spouted all sorts of nonsense on the subject. They possibly feel some inadequacy, but rather than doing something positive, like improving their language skills, they choose to dismiss and deride. Good thing there are many more who do not think that way. #YmaOHyd
#YmaOHyd
Llanelli mayor blasts WRU over Scarlets future as town rallies behind ‘Save Our Scarlets’ march
‘Clueless’ leadership
Councillor Andrew Bragoli, a lifelong Scarlets supporter who describes the late Phil Bennett as his “idol and hero”, accused the WRU of being “clueless” and failing both the regions and grassroots clubs.
“They have mismanaged regional rugby in Wales in general. They haven’t helped the grassroots teams like Furnace, Trimsaran, Felinfoel, Llangennech, Tumble and Tenby,” he said.
“The WRU haven’t looked after the regions – Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff and the Dragons – so the national team is now suffering. We don’t want to see any region disappear.”
Cllr Bragoli said the union had been “narrow‑sighted”, relying on the success of the national side while neglecting the pathway from community rugby into the professional game.
Call for English league switch
The mayor suggested the best way forward would be for the Scarlets, Ospreys and Cardiff to join the English league system, with the Dragons remaining in the United Rugby Championship.
“Nothing in Welsh rugby has the passion of Scarlets versus Ospreys. We must both survive. And derby games against Bristol, Bath and Gloucester would boost attendances and bring atmosphere and rivalry with travelling fans,” said Cllr Bragoli, who has attended more than 1,000 Scarlets matches.
March to Parc y Scarlets
He urged local people to join the Save Our Scarlets march this Saturday, ahead of the home game against Munster. The march will leave Sandy Water Park at 1pm, led by Scarlets heritage director Rupert Moon, and will pass through Llanelli town centre before arriving at Parc y Scarlets.
The town council has also commissioned buses to bring local choirs to the stadium, with renditions of Sospan Fach and Yma O Hyd planned as part of a festival‑style build‑up.
Council united
Fellow councillor Shaun Greaney said:
“We cannot allow the demise of the Scarlets. It would be an act of cultural and sporting vandalism on a near criminal scale. Our area cannot afford the economic decimation the loss of 400 plus jobs would mean.”
Town council leader David Darkin confirmed the council had written to the WRU in the “strongest terms” and voted unanimously to back the campaign.
“Our position reflects the love the town has for the Scarlets. The region is part of our very identity,” he said.
Petition gathers pace
Nearly 5,500 people have signed an online petition calling for the WRU to safeguard the Scarlets’ future. The petition describes the club as “a cornerstone of our community, a symbol of local pride, and a source of inspiration for young athletes”.
It highlights Sport Wales figures estimating rugby contributes more than £200 million a year to the Welsh economy and supports over 4,000 jobs, with the Scarlets playing a key role in that ecosystem.
Related stories on the future of the Scarlets
Save Our Scarlets, urges town council
Llanelli Town Council backed a cross‑party motion calling on the WRU to safeguard the Scarlets, citing their cultural importance and multi‑million pound contribution to the local economy.
‘Save Our Scarlets’ march planned as WRU consultation sparks fears for region’s future
Councillors urged residents and businesses to join a march from Stradey Park to Parc y Scarlets, as the WRU consults on cutting the number of professional teams.
Llanelli MP: Parc y Scarlets must be central to Welsh rugby’s future
Dame Nia Griffith said the stadium’s facilities, heritage and player pathway make it essential to the sport’s future, warning decisions now will shape Welsh rugby for decades.
Scarlets investor slammed WRU leadership weeks before deal announced
Kirsti Jane, head of the US‑based group investing in the Scarlets, criticised WRU leadership as lacking vision, weeks before confirming a landmark takeover deal.
#CllrAndrewBragoli #DavidDarkin #Felinfoel #Furnace #grassrootsRugby #Llanelli #Llangennech #MayorOfLlanelli #ParcYScarlets #Rugby #RupertMoon #Scarlets #SospanFach #Tenby #Trimsaran #Tumble #WRU #YmaOHyd
This flag is a symbol of love, of welcome, of togetherness, of inclusion. All of us who live in Wales are equal. If you show this flag, you are displaying these values. I’m grateful to you. Diolch.
- Leanne Wood
#CymruAmByth #YmaOHyd
- Leanne Wood
#CymruAmByth #YmaOHyd
It's great to see #Cymru playing with passion but we are so much more than a game of rugby (or football) Remember this passion at the next elections and vote for Wales, not a Westminster stooge. #ymaohyd #Annibyniaeth #Plaidcymru 🏴❤️🏴❤️🏴❤️
Hooray! Tickets for #DafyddIwan at #Pontio #Bangor in March for Sweetie and me - back of the net
✊🏻❤️🏴
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=llkwpwdk2ro
Listen, it lifts the spirit. Yma o hyd #cymru #Masodon #Fediverse #ymaohyd
The ‘bucket hat’ is still here - as are we… #YmaOHyd
Seeing #FiveNightsAtFreddys this evening #Sinema #Pontio #Bangor
…with Freddie 😳
Rwy'n crio. Welcome To Wrexham, Season 2 Episode 10. #YmaOHyd. #WrexhamFX #Gresford
Waking the Red Dragon: Could the Welsh break up with Britain? This Australian Broadcasting Corporation documentary will be broadcast on Thursday at 20:00 Australian Eastern Daylight Time #Cymru #Wales #annibyniaeth #YmaOHyd #Wrecsam #WrexhamAFC #llywodraethcymru #welshgovernment #australianbroadcastingcorporation
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-27/waking-the-red-dragon/102149168?utm_source=abc_news_web&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_web
#YmaOHyd !
Delegates from all over the country met in Cardiff, our national capital, over the weekend for the annual @ucu Cymru Congress
At our Congress, we passed a motion, with unanimous support, that our organisation will henceforth be known by a single name, UCU Cymru
Not only does the use of #UCU #Cymru promote & normalise the Welsh language, it helps to underline the fact that we operate in a devolved nation with very different education policies than those set by the Tory UK government
@timesscotland @MarkPalmerST Something like this? #YmaOHyd @FAWales https://youtu.be/43Fag8ZQcz4
🐦🔗: https://n.respublicae.eu/Christia_Allard/status/1613683204774412294
Best song & tune ever?
Forgot to share this yesterday. Phone pic as I was hotfooting it to an appointment, stopping quickly on the train station steps to get a snap while it's still there. Artwork by "tee2sugars"
#merthyr #YmaOHyd #localartist #merthyrtydfil #wales #welsh #dragon
The tournament may be over for you, but your achievement getting there lives on, boys! 🏴
CW Football
He doesn't look impressed! I am still super excited. We love to fight another day. Roll on the next challenge!
Filled the office world cup wallchart in for the second round and group A and B final standings. How long before someone realises I did it in Welsh? 🏴🏴🏴 #YmaOHyd
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