Council reception for Scarlets rugby heroes

The Scarlets and Carmarthenshire County Council held a joint reception at Parc y Scarlets to celebrate the contribution of Scarlets rugby to the West Wales community and the profile the World Cup Scarlets had given to their home region on the global stage.
It was a double celebration as the Scarlets marked their 100th European fixture to become the first Welsh club to have reached this major rugby landmark and join distinguished company including giant European clubs Toulouse, Munster, Leinster and Leicester Tigers.
Guests at the reception also marked a two-minute silence in respect of those who have lost their lives in the armed forces the line of duty for their country.
The entire Scarlets squad for the big Heineken Cup Castres fixture including the Scarlets 10 World Cup internationals was present to meet Council officials including Leader Meryll Gravell, Chairman of the Executive Ivor Jackson, Chairman’s Consort Mrs Jackson, Mark James, Chief Executive, David Gilbert, Wendy Walters and Roger Jones.
Scarlets Chief Executive, Mark Davies, said: “This is a day of history and reflection all round as we remember with respect and humility the huge sacrifice individuals have made for our country.
“This is also a year where as all of us as Scarlets and part of heart and soul rugby country, celebrate our own rich history with our 5000th game in September and now our 100th European fixture this weekend – two landmark achievements we can take real pride in.
“We have also seen through the thrills of the Rugby World Cup and our Scarlets internationals that individually or collectively, and that there can be no dream too big and no desire too small to be the very best in the world.
“What we have seen through the achievements of our team and players in this region and as Scarlets, is that with the right attitude, vision and values and by providing opportunities and instilling belief, great things can be achieved.”
Mark Davies added that the vision and backing of Carmarthenshire County Council in helping create a world-class rugby facility in Carmarthenshire had played a huge part in the Scarlets World Cup internationals’ success.
He added: “Without the support and vision of one of the most proactive and progressive Council’s in the UK who have shared our vision and our players’ ambition to be world-class – none of us would be here celebrating these achievements today.
“It’s important that we recognise the council’s role in helping each of our players achieve their goals and the inspiration and aspiration that can give to other young people across West Wales to follow their ambitions. The Council’s continued belief in the contribution of the Scarlets within this region and its active encouragement to take things forward is a big part in our shared success and excitement about the future.”
Meryl Gravell, Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council said: “Parc y Scarlets, the home of the Scarlets, is a sports and community facility we are very proud of in this county. We are here at this wonderful stadium to commend the efforts of our Scarlets players in the World Cup and also that of our officers who were part of making sure this great facility was created for these internationals and other to enjoy playing rugby in.
“We see the youth of Carmarthenshire coming here for various functions and we witness the joy they feel when they see at that wonderful green field behind me here at Parc y Scarlets.
“I would like to congratulate those of you who went to the World Cup. What a great achievement both on the field and off the field, with the visits to schools which you took part in and other activities around this major global sporting event. We are delighted and proud of you as our wonderful ambassadors of this county out in New Zealand.
“We are here to celebrate these young men and applaud you on behalf of Carmarthenshire, but also to congratulate and support you as an entire Scarlets squad. What you are building here with your own is something fantastic, we know you have worked very hard for the last three years and that is now coming to fruition.”
The Council leader added that the World Cup Scarlets were ‘inspirational’ role models that many of the young people in West Wales could and would want to aspire to. With local heroes including Jon Davies, Rhys Priestland, Scott Williams, Stephen Jones, Ken Owens all from Carmarthenshire, Cllr Gravell said it was source of pride for the county to see the players perform with such stature on the highest rugby stage.
Meryl Gravell added: “You young men can be such wonderful ambassadors for young people in the region; we know we have problems with alcohol and drug abuse and you can show what can be achieved through a fit and healthy lifestyle, the ability to work in a close team and reach your goals through hard work and effort.
“And we look forward to seeing you coming to our schools, talking to our young children and helping them understand what they can achieve by looking after themselves.”
The Council also paid tribute to one of world rugby’s greatest stars and Carmarthenshire born and bred Scarlet, Stephen Jones. Jones who became Wales’ most capped player ever in the World Cup (104 caps) is also the Scarlets highest points scorer ever with 2,781 points with 298 appearances in Scarlets colours. He is Europe’s second highest point scorer on 860 points.
Mark James, Chief Executive of Carmarthenshire County Council said: “Week in and week out we watch the Scarlets and enjoy it because there is so much fabric, character, history and soul in this club and this region.
“This a fantastic facility and it is a delight to watch games here and see the style of rugby you play and the highest platforms on which you perform. I would also like to congratulate all of the Scarlets players who have stayed here during the World Cup and the effort and commitment you have shown with some great play and brilliant tries.
“It is incredibly important, that the Scarlets continue to be successful. They are a big part of the regeneration of our county and can contribute to economic development and tourism investment in this region as one of our major international sporting businesses and brands. It has been quite a journey so far, and we were determined to see this stadium happen and are incredibly proud of it today as a key part of the regeneration of Carmarthenshire.
“Carmarthenshire County Council will continue to work with the management here at Parc y Scarlets to ensure its future success.”