Scarlets to play festive derbies behind closed doors following new Welsh Government guidance

Following the latest Welsh Government announcement regarding restrictions on sporting events, our home URC derbies against Ospreys on New Year’s Day and Dragons on January 8 will now be played behind closed doors with no supporters allowed into the stadium.

In a move aimed at controlling the spread of the new omicron variant of Covid-19, the Welsh Government announced at midnight on Monday that all indoor and outdoor sporting events must be played without spectators from Boxing Day.

Scarlets Chief Operating Officer Phil Morgan said: “This is hugely disappointing for us all – players, staff, supporters and commercial partners, who have shown incredible loyalty to us over the last 18 months. The festive derbies, particularly our home game against the Ospreys, are always fantastic occasions and we were expecting two of our biggest crowds of the season for the Ospreys and Dragons games. While this news will be another significant financial blow to the business, the health and safety of the Scarlets community will always be our utmost priority.

“We will continue to work closely with the Welsh Government and hopefully, when it is safe to do so, we can soon welcome our fans back into Parc y Scarlets.”

All season ticket holders will receive a pro-rata credit to their account for both matches, while match-ticket purchasers will receive an automatic refund. You will not need to contact the Scarlets ticket office. Refunds should appear in your bank account within five working days.

Our Boxing Day match with Cardiff Rugby at Cardiff Arms Park will also be played behind closed doors which means coach travel to the match has been cancelled. For those who have booked official travel via the Scarlets, all purchases will be automatically refunded in the next five working days.

The coronavirus regulations, including playing sports behind closed doors, will be reviewed regularly.