Scarlets announce £2.1m loss in 'challenging' time

Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Scarlets finished 14th in the United Rugby Championship in 2025-26 Scarlets made a loss of £2.1m during the 2024-2025 season, according to the club's latest accounts. It is a third year in a row the Welsh region have posted a loss of more than £2m. The financial results cover the period to June 2025, with the loss down from £2.6m from the previous 12 months. Turnover dropped from £10.2m compared to £11.3m with gate receipts, sponsorship and money received from the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) all down. The region made cuts to outgoings of 10%, with the wage bill down from £8.24m to £6.94m. A new share issue also boosted finances by £940,000. Scarlets' debt remains in excess of £10m, with money owed primarily to the WRU and Carmarthenshire county council, who own the Parc y Scarlets ground. While the figures in the latest annual report only cover the period until mid-2025, comments in the financial report from the Scarlets hierarchy also discuss events of the past 12 months. The report says the operating environment for professional rugby in Wales has been "challenging" and "deeply uncertain" with the WRU looking to reduce the number of professional clubs from four to three. The union has stated it will look to implement this controversial policy by the 2028-29 season, although it has not yet outlined how that process will happen. Welsh rugby's governing body has previously stated there will be one licence for a professional side granted in the east, one in Cardiff and one in the west, which could pit Llanelli-based Scarlets and Swansea-based Ospreys against each other. "The ongoing review of the professional game by the WRU, including consideration of a possible reduction in the number of professional clubs in Wales, has created an unsettling backdrop for our players, staff, supporters and commercial partners," Scarlets chairman Simon Muderack wrote in notes accompanying the accounts. "The directors have engaged closely and constructively throughout this period to protect the long-term interests of the Scarlets. "Against this backdrop, the Scarlets remain confident and resolute about our future. We firmly believe Parc y Scarlets to be the finest club rugby stadium in Wales, if not the UK." Scarlets confirm Davies as boss on two-year deal Published18 hours agoScarlets sign New Zealand forward Grace Published5 days agoWelsh rugby's ins, outs and re-signings for 2026-27 Published1 day agoWhy signing Welsh rugby PRA is importantScarlets are the only Welsh side not to sign up to the Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA). The Scarlets' report states they were expecting to commit to the PRA by the end of June. Though that did not happen, the report adds that Scarlets are "in the final stages of completing this agreement". Scarlets say signing the PRA will help the repayment of £4.8m they owe the WRU, which includes loans taken out during Covid. "A significant development during the year has been our work with the WRU on a new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA25)," the report stated. "PRA25 will relieve the regional clubs of a substantial portion of the Covid-related debt that has previously burdened the company and introduces a more sustainable funding model that provides greater long-term financial certainty. "The directors regard the conclusion of this agreement as a pivotal step in placing the club on a stable financial footing in the near term." The report also states that Scarlets continue to owe Carmarthen county council £2.6m, which is in relation to the Parc y Scarlets ground. There is no direct mention in the report of any legal action arising between Scarlets and WRU about the governing body taking over Cardiff in April 2025, when Wales' capital side went into administration. There is also no information provided about US-based House of Luxury LLC (HOL), who were announced as potential investors in August 2025. In April 2026, Scarlets put out a statement saying they had secured "significant further investment" to ensure the "future stability of the club and wider region".

Scarlets announce £2.1m loss in 'challenging' time

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