CHairman’s message

CHAIRMANS MESSAGE SCARLETS Vs glasgow warriors

SIMON

welcome back to Parc y scarlets for the start of a busy run of matches for the team.

Unfortunately, Covid-enforced postponements has meant the season has been a bit fractured, but hopefully, we can put behind us the frustration of our defeat to Connacht last time out and pick up a big win against an in-form Glasgow side to get the ball rolling.

Once again, thank you for your continued support; it does mean a huge amount to the players, coaches and staff here. There are some big games to come at the business end of the season, including Welsh derbies against Cardiff and the Dragons here at the Parc and home advantage with the Scarlets faithful in full voice is going to be crucial.

It’s that time of the season where we have been announcing some key contract renewals for next season and we are delighted that Scott and Patch have agreed new contracts with us. They are both experienced performers at this level, Wales internationals and PRO12 title winners and will add a huge amount to the squad that Dwayne is building. Keep an eye out for more news over the coming weeks.

We head back to South Africa on Sunday and we wish the travelling group safe travels.

Obviously, it is well documented what happened in November with the Omicron variant and subsequent quarantine in Belfast. We have asked for and had assurances from URC and it is important we embrace this competition and the opportunities it presents. The South African sides have been looking the part in recent weeks and I am sure the Sharks and Bulls are going to be loaded with Springboks when we face them in Durban and Pretoria. Players of that calibre will take the competition to another level and I am sure we will see the URC continue to grow in the coming years.

Back to tonight and a warm West Wales welcome to Glasgow, their players, coaches, staff and supporters. The Warriors are a side playing with a lot of confidence at the moment so it will be a big challenge for us, but I am sure the boys will be desperate to put on a big display in front of the fans before they fly off tomorrow.

Congratulations to the Scarlets boys who were selected for last weekend’s Six Nations match at Twickenham. I did think Kieran’s late try might see us nick it at the end, but despite the result, it was a valiant effort in that second half. Watching our home-grown players perform on the biggest stage is always a huge source of pride and it is testament to our development system here that so many have come through our pathways to play for the Scarlets and Wales. Of course, there are plenty of those local boys on display this evening so please get behind them and enjoy the game!

Finally, the URC and Gallagher Premiership have come together this weekend in a show of solidarity with all those affected by the invasion of Ukraine to support the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal. Please donate in any way you can.

Diolch

Simon