by Jordan A Jones
SCARLETS captain Ken Owens has stressed his concerns for the Welsh Rugby Union’s proposed merger between his current region Scarlets and west Walian rivals Ospreys.
Owens, who was speaking as the Chairman of the Welsh Rugby Players Association, which is designed to protect Welsh rugby players, explained his growing concerns against the radical shake-up.
There is a scheduled meeting this evening by the Professional Rugby Board which will discuss the possibility of the merger and will potentially announce it this evening, invoking the biggest change in Welsh rugby since the regions were formed in 2003.
The 32-year-old said on WRPA.co.uk, “I am deeply concerned about the situation that the player across the four regions faces. I recognise that this is the most challenging situation that I or arguably any player has faced during our rugby careers.
“I appeal to all stakeholders to have the concerns and welfare needs of all those that stand to be affected by the proposed changes at the forefront of their minds.
“It’s also clear players need to be represented on the PRB because they can and must be part of the solution. Without them, there is no Welsh Rugby.”
WRPA chief executive Andries Pretorious says the potential plans could see players cross the border or take up opportunities in France, due to the uncertainty.
The former Blues blindside flanker said in the same statement: “It would also be terrible for players, fans and our sport to lose Welsh talent to clubs in England or France who are offering the security players need in their short playing careers.”
Owens has been with the Scarlets for over a decade and the changes could see him line-up for the same region as some of his Wales teammates.
The former Cardiff Metropolitan student had represented the then newly formed Premiership side Llanelli RFC from 2006 to 2008 after the Scarlets were formed in 2003, so has first-hand experienced what the introduction of regions in Welsh rugby has offered.
Wales’ most capped hooker won the last ever Pro12 League, before its expansion in 2017 with the Scarlets and has experienced first-hand what regional rugby has to offer.
Departing Wales head coach Warren Gatland says that this is not a decision that was instigated by the Welsh Rugby Union and was instead suggested by the regions, which was then posted to the PRB.
Ospreys chairman Mike James has resigned due to the planned merger with Rob Davies replacing him.
In 2017, there was a proposed merger in French Rugby between Paris rivals Racing 92 and Stade Francais, which saw Francis players go on strike. No plans have been organised as of yet by any Welsh players.
