CHairman’s message

CHAIRMANS MESSAGE

SIMON

SCARLETS Vs ospreys

Blwyddyn nEwydd ddA! HAPPy nEw yEAr! wE wElCOME in 2022 likE wE did 2021, witH nO SuPPOrtErS in tHE StAdiuM And COvid-19 Still A HugE PArt OF Our livES.

We were all looking forward to welcoming bumper crowds over the festive derby season and we are bitterly disappointed that we have not been able to do that.

I was at Twickenham on Monday, part of a 70,000–plus attendance for the Gallagher Premiership ‘Big Game’ between Harlequins and northampton Saints. I am sure Scarlets supporters would have been watching on and feeling disappointed with the cards that we have been dealt.

Yes, we are disappointed - these derby matches are significant for us, the visit of the Ospreys always attracts one of our biggest crowds of the season and we were headed for a sell out in terms of attendees and hospitality.

But we will continue to work with the Welsh Government over the next few weeks and months to get you back through the turnstiles. We have to respect the decision of the government and peoples’ health and safety will always be our utmost priority.

reflecting on 2021, we started the year with Parc y Scarlets home to two nightingale field hospitals. in the summer, we were able to reconnect with our community game through a fabulous bike ride across the region that saw Sean Fitzpatrick and our team visit all our 53 clubs.

On the field, under dwayne Peel and his coaching team we are putting in place a long-term plan to get the Scarlets to where we want to be among Europe’s elite and are excited by the young talent that is coming through the ranks. We are also committed to strengthening the squad for next season and beyond.

We have always been proud of the Scarlets development pathway that keeps on producing players for the international stage and it was a huge source of pride for us to see a recordequalling four players selected for the British & Irish Lions tour this summer. Others have played international rugby for Wales, and Scotland, for the first time and i’m sure there will be more to follow in 2022.

As we take on the Ospreys today our thoughts and well wishes are very much with Ifan Phillips and his family following his recent motorcycle accident. Ifan spent a short time at the Scarlets on loan in 2020 and was a popular addition to the squad during his few weeks here. It has been amazing to see the rugby community come together to raise funds to help his recovery and there are details on how you can donate in this match programme.

A warm welcome to the players, staff and officials of the Ospreys.

To our supporters, I’m sure you will all be here in spirit and I can’t wait until we are all back here at the Parc, sooner rather than later.

Blwyddyn newydd dda i bob un o’n cefnogwyr

Simon