Scarlets launch regional vision

The Llanelli Scarlets will embrace mid and north Wales

The newly christened Llanelli Scarlets have promised to embrace the concept of regional rugby.

At the official launch of the new side they confirmed that two Celtic League fixtures will be played at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground this season, and spoke of a five-year plan to develop rugby in mid and north Wales.

There was some surprise that the team did not leave the name Llanelli out of their title and opt for Scarlets, but chief executive Stuart Gallacher says that the branding of the famous old club will help the side in the short term.

"We want to walk before we can run, but all the branding will carry the title Scarlets and eventually I think the team will evolve without the Llanelli name," he told BBC Wales Sport.

THE SCARLETS' RACECOURSE FIXTURES Borders (1 September) Glasgow Rugby (30 April)

Gallacher was determined that the Scarlets' involvement in north Wales would be much more than nominal.

"It's not just the two matches in Wrexham against Borders (1 September) and Glasgow (30 April)," he said.

"We'll be decamping up there a week before the game, going to all the schools and coaching sessions.

This is a moment that won't come again, we have to get it right Scarlets director of rugby Gareth Jenkins

"We want a presence to develop our potential in mid and north Wales.

"We fought hard for our position and always felt we had a regional support base.

"It's up to us to market it, but we want large gates in Wrexham."

Potential regional squads and names

Director of rugby Gareth Jenkins supported Gallacher's comments and said that the five-year plan could include semi-professional sides for north Wales and Pembrokeshire.

"This is a moment that won't come again, we have to get it right," he said.

"That will be challenging but ultimately rewarding for everyone. It means all of us leaving our baggage behind and being prepared to work together for the good of the region and, ultimately, a rejuvenated and successful national team."

Llanelli Scarlets squad

Full backs: Barry Davies, Garan Evans, Lee Byrne (development contract)
Wings: Mark Jones, Salesi Finau
Centres: Tal Selley, Leigh Davies, Matthew Watkins, Mark Taylor
Outside halves: Stephen Jones, Gareth Bowen
Scrum halves: Dwayne Peel, Mike Phillips
Props: Iestyn Thomas, Martyn Madden, Phil John, John Davies
Hookers: Robin McBryde, Aled Gravelle
Locks: Vernon Cooper, Chris Wyatt, James Griffiths, Adam Jones, Bryn Griffiths (development contract)
Back row: Scott Quinnell, David Hodges, Simon Easterby, Dafydd Jones, Gareth Williams (development contract)

Supplementary list to provide cover during World Cup includes:
Rhys Williams, Ceirion Thomas, Gareth Wright, David Maddox, Ian Boobyer, Gavin Evans, Adam Yelland

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