Pivac says missed Ospreys-Scarlets merger may have reshaped Welsh rugby

Wayne Pivac says Welsh rugby may have been in a different position today if Ospreys and Scarlets had merged in 2019. His comments put renewed focus on west Wales as the Welsh Rugby Union prepares to set out plans to reduce the professional men's game by 2028.

Pivac, who was Scarlets head coach when the merger idea was discussed, made the remarks on the Scrum V podcast. He suggested the decision not to combine the two sides may have been a missed opportunity, while acknowledging the uncertainty around what attendances in Swansea or Llanelli might have looked like under a combined region.

The immediate context is the WRU's expected outline this month of how it intends to cut one professional men's side by 2028. According to the source, Ospreys and Scarlets are now both in the frame as west Wales rugby faces a major structural decision.

For editors and supporters, the key issue is less about revisiting 2019 alone and more about what Welsh rugby prioritises next: regional identity, financial sustainability, competitive strength, or access for local fans.