0:00:03 > 0:00:06Wales - a rugby nation...
0:00:07 > 0:00:11..where every town and every village gets behind its local team.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13Come on, Bethesda.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15Come on, hogia Bethesda!
0:00:15 > 0:00:19In Llanelli, top class rugby has been played for 140 years...
0:00:20 > 0:00:23..and it inspires a whole region.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25We've got boys out on this field
0:00:25 > 0:00:27that are amongst the best in the world at what they do.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31But these days it's more than a game, it's a business,
0:00:31 > 0:00:34and it's a business under threat.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37What keeps me awake at night is paying the wages next month.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41It's a battle to keep the big players here in Wales...
0:00:41 > 0:00:43A 'W' by five.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47..and ensure a precious rugby tradition survives.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51Unless something changes, I think our regions will be gone.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55This is the inside story of 12 months of triumph, tension...
0:00:55 > 0:01:00- Get out!- ..turmoil...- Everybody's at each other's throats.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- ..and pride in the scarlet jersey. - A bit emotional, I guess.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08Stand by for a year with the Scarlets.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16One issue above all worries Welsh fans.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21How can we keep the best players here when French and English clubs
0:01:21 > 0:01:24can pay them so much more?
0:01:24 > 0:01:28Without their stars, Welsh regions won't be competitive on the pitch
0:01:28 > 0:01:31and youngsters won't see their heroes play.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35Of course, big names have left in the past,
0:01:35 > 0:01:37and more seem likely to go.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39But in the year we've spent filming with the Scarlets,
0:01:39 > 0:01:43the fate of one player crystallised the whole issue.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46We were there on the inside to see how hard it is
0:01:46 > 0:01:49to get the balance right between the rugby and the business.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52I'll just check with Leighton.
0:01:52 > 0:01:53It's Tuesday morning
0:01:53 > 0:01:57and the Scarlets' business management meeting is under way.
0:01:57 > 0:01:59The team leaders are gathered to hear
0:01:59 > 0:02:01how the various business units are performing.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05I've picked up a lot of noise about the performance on Saturday.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07Would that be valid?
0:02:07 > 0:02:10After a heavy loss against Leinster at the weekend,
0:02:10 > 0:02:13it's a chance to see if the business side of the organisation
0:02:13 > 0:02:16can do anything to help matters on the pitch.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18From the outset on Saturday,
0:02:18 > 0:02:21there was no doubt there was not a lot of emotion in our performance.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24Gareth Jenkins is the former head coach.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26He's now in charge of rugby development.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29He's well aware that good results come at a price.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33Whether that ties in to the way we prepare ourselves,
0:02:33 > 0:02:38long periods of hanging about away from home in hotels,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41I'm sure has a significance.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44We've always seemed to have done well when we've chartered a flight.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47Leinster charter every single away game.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50What's £6,000 in terms of the bigger picture
0:02:50 > 0:02:53when it comes down to getting in the top four?
0:02:58 > 0:03:01Building a winning side needs a lot of investment.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03Go!
0:03:03 > 0:03:06On the training pitch, state-of-the-art equipment is used
0:03:06 > 0:03:09to drive up the fitness levels.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12Jog to there and get your rest up there.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16Every heartbeat is monitored in the race to get to the league play-offs.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20But he's just standing there.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23The Scarlets are boosted by their Welsh stars,
0:03:23 > 0:03:27back from the Six Nations, but not everything is going to plan.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29Owen Williams has gone to Leicester for next season,
0:03:29 > 0:03:31which is a disappointment to us.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35That wasn't expected. There was a clear offer in front of Owen.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38He's been here for three years on a development contract
0:03:38 > 0:03:41and, as far as we were concerned, we were well into negotiations
0:03:41 > 0:03:46about retaining Owen and extending his development period here.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49So that's a bit of a disappointment and an unexpected signing.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53If Owen Williams leaving was a surprise,
0:03:53 > 0:03:55there's a much bigger shock in the offing
0:03:55 > 0:03:58and it's about to hit the headlines.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- RADIO:- Online, TV and digital radio.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04This is BBC Radio Wales.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- REPORTER:- Rugby. The Scarlets coach Simon Easterby is warning
0:04:08 > 0:04:09it would be a disaster for them
0:04:09 > 0:04:12if Wales wing George North leaves a year early.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16George North is a star product of the Scarlets' academy.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20Still only 20, he's rated as one of the best wingers in the world.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23If he goes, it'll be a huge story,
0:04:23 > 0:04:26so the Scarlets' PR officer, Antonia Lamont,
0:04:26 > 0:04:28needs to get on the front foot.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33Obviously, we've made it clear about our position
0:04:33 > 0:04:37in terms of discussing individual contracts. Just be mindful of that.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39This press conference was already in the diary.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43It's supposed to focus on the next match but now the media only wants
0:04:43 > 0:04:46to ask head coach Simon Easterby about one thing.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50A player like George North, how much do you want him here next season?
0:04:50 > 0:04:55We want, erm...the best players available to us
0:04:55 > 0:04:58and George North is an exceptional talent.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01He's come through our region, we've supported him,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04and we are desperate to keep hold of him.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09I just want to clarify one thing. This is not the Scarlets saying
0:05:09 > 0:05:13they are happy to let him go a year early from his contract?
0:05:13 > 0:05:15No, I don't want him to go.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18I am not asking George North to leave.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23'It's not easy and it is not ideal, really, and hopefully'
0:05:23 > 0:05:25the press will give us a bit of respect
0:05:25 > 0:05:29and have an opportunity to deal with this in our own time.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31Thank you very much.
0:05:33 > 0:05:34At this particular point,
0:05:34 > 0:05:38George is on contract to the Scarlets for next season
0:05:38 > 0:05:41and, as far as we are concerned, there's a lot of speculation
0:05:41 > 0:05:44that isn't accurate, there's a lot of speculation out there
0:05:44 > 0:05:47that is making suggestions that George is actually leaving here.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50That could happen but, currently, as far as I am concerned,
0:05:50 > 0:05:52as far as the business is concerned,
0:05:52 > 0:05:56there's no decision been made at all about George's future.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59With no hard facts, rumours run riot.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04Let's hope we don't have days like this every day of the week.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Messages and missed calls are piling up in Antonia's office.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09The first to be briefed is the Scarlets' Chief Executive.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12Hi, Mark. Good afternoon. It's Antonia calling.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15I just wanted to bring you up to speed
0:06:15 > 0:06:17with the press conference this morning
0:06:17 > 0:06:20and just let you know a couple of things that were discussed.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24I've also had a quick look as to what the coverage is since then.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27When you've got a second, if you can give me a ring back,
0:06:27 > 0:06:29I can bring you up to date with where we are.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32'Lots of reps, OK? Happy?'
0:06:32 > 0:06:34Boys, you push yourselves out there
0:06:34 > 0:06:37and just go as the tail gunner, is that all right?
0:06:38 > 0:06:41To sign George North the year before his Scarlets' contract ends,
0:06:41 > 0:06:44any other club would have to pay the Scarlets to get him released.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47We're going to keep working across the field.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51George could decide to stay but, if he goes, the Scarlets could
0:06:51 > 0:06:54earn a substantial sum and that feeds the media frenzy.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57There's an energy, definitely.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01It's a big Scarlets story. It's very big for our supporters.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05In terms of the timing, we're about to launch season tickets,
0:07:05 > 0:07:08so it's commercially... there are considerations.
0:07:08 > 0:07:13Erm...it's a very big story on lots of levels
0:07:13 > 0:07:16so, contract negotiations go on over time
0:07:16 > 0:07:20and there are lots of different elements to it.
0:07:20 > 0:07:25It's not quite as simple as it's sometimes played out in the media.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27MUSIC: "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd
0:07:32 > 0:07:36With speculation rife that a world-class rugby star
0:07:36 > 0:07:38is about to leave Parc Y Scarlets,
0:07:38 > 0:07:40Julie David has to get the place ready to welcome
0:07:40 > 0:07:43some top-flight athletes from a very different sport.
0:07:44 > 0:07:49I'm just going to try and map out the barn ready for the tables,
0:07:49 > 0:07:52the chairs, the stage, with my black tape.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55Me and my lonely black tape.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57If you just lower that down again.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00The Scarlets Darts Masters is about to hit Llanelli.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04As with rugby, big names mean big money.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06As hosts to the event,
0:08:06 > 0:08:09the Scarlets should be able to bank a tidy profit
0:08:09 > 0:08:11if they can get the seats in.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Darts is massive in West Wales
0:08:14 > 0:08:16and it is getting more and more popular
0:08:16 > 0:08:18the more it gets commercialised
0:08:18 > 0:08:22and we're just capturing that demand.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26With tables and chairs for 800 darts fans to be set up,
0:08:26 > 0:08:30Luke the groundsman is happy to pitch in.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36I just have to help poor Julie. Give her a hand, innit?
0:08:36 > 0:08:39# Big wheels keep on turning... #
0:08:39 > 0:08:43I'll see if she pays me in Strongbow or something like that.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45Maybe I'll stay a bit longer.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49But Julie isn't the only one who has gone into overdrive.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54The media are desperate for details of the transfer talks
0:08:54 > 0:08:58and Antonia needs to brief the Scarlets' General Manager
0:08:58 > 0:09:00who is about to go on air.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04I have been told I've got a good face for radio.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Can you give me an idea of what questions we are going to...?
0:09:07 > 0:09:10You can't really...? Well, what can be done?
0:09:10 > 0:09:14It's outside his remit to be talking about how to resolve this situation
0:09:14 > 0:09:17because that's a much wider question, isn't it?
0:09:18 > 0:09:21I am the resident Welsh speaker,
0:09:21 > 0:09:24wheeled out when we need to hear the dulcet tones
0:09:24 > 0:09:26of heaven's tongue.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29OK. Thanks very much. Speak to you in a bit. Bye-bye.
0:09:30 > 0:09:35What is the Scarlets' current position on George North?
0:09:35 > 0:09:38And how much of a blow would it be if he left?
0:09:38 > 0:09:40So I won't use the term "disaster", shall I?
0:09:42 > 0:09:47A disaster for Mark Davies would be the release of sensitive information
0:09:47 > 0:09:49while discussions are ongoing.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54What's not been made public is that back in January,
0:09:54 > 0:09:58the Scarlets' board felt obliged to let George North's agent know
0:09:58 > 0:10:01that they'd had an unsolicited approach from a French club.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04The French money on offer to the player
0:10:04 > 0:10:07and to the Scarlets for releasing him was considerable.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10We had had the same conversation the previous year and said,
0:10:10 > 0:10:12"Not interested. Go away."
0:10:12 > 0:10:15This time, erm...they were...
0:10:15 > 0:10:18significantly more serious...
0:10:19 > 0:10:24..and, this time, the amount that they were prepared to table
0:10:24 > 0:10:29to propose that we released early was really significant.
0:10:29 > 0:10:34But with rumours that English club Northampton are also in the bidding,
0:10:34 > 0:10:37Mark is adamant that the club should not respond to questions
0:10:37 > 0:10:40about what is going on behind-the-scenes.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44That puts pressure on Jon Daniel's Welsh radio interview
0:10:44 > 0:10:47and Antonia needs him to be on message.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Jon, actually, has got the ability to say anything right now
0:10:50 > 0:10:52so there is a huge level of trust.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55Shw' mae, Cenydd?
0:10:55 > 0:10:56Good, diolch.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Good. Diolch yn fawr. Hwyl.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25A convincing performance, even if Antonia didn't understand a word.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29I didn't say disaster.
0:11:29 > 0:11:30Fantastic. Perfect.
0:11:31 > 0:11:36No language difficulties for Julie, just a maths problem.
0:11:36 > 0:11:41At the moment we can only sit down 792...
0:11:41 > 0:11:43More seats mean more profit.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46..so I need to get some more in.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49And with a five-week gap between home games at Parc Y Scarlets,
0:11:49 > 0:11:52the region needs every penny.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58On the pitch, the Wales Under-21s soccer team is warming up.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01It's another earner for the Scarlets
0:12:01 > 0:12:04but Luke the groundsman, not a fan of rugby when the pitch
0:12:04 > 0:12:07is being churned up, isn't keen on soccer either.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10Goalkeepers diving about.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13The pitch is still recovering from winter.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18The water we've had, the rain, in the last few hours,
0:12:18 > 0:12:20it's quite soft out there
0:12:20 > 0:12:24so I just have to marshal them and stop them from shooting.
0:12:29 > 0:12:30Oh, breaks your heart.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38At last, all that unnecessary shooting and diving is over
0:12:38 > 0:12:40and not a moment too soon for Luke.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44You can see them all walking off the pitch now like that. Bye.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50Luckily for him, the rugby action is happening elsewhere.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57Despite tensions over how the professional game should be run
0:12:57 > 0:13:01in Wales, the regions and the Welsh Rugby Union have worked together
0:13:01 > 0:13:05to create a showcase event they're calling Judgement Day.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11Over recent seasons, low attendance figures have been a worry
0:13:11 > 0:13:14and staging Judgement Day at the Millennium Stadium
0:13:14 > 0:13:17is intended to bring the crowds back.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21The day before, the squad gets a run out on the hallowed turf.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25One of the star attractions is keen to make sure
0:13:25 > 0:13:27all his team-mates are ready to roll.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31Yeah, you can. You can massage his ego.
0:13:35 > 0:13:40There has been an extra buzz throughout the whole week in training
0:13:40 > 0:13:45just because it's a double-header at the Millennium Stadium - a lot of the boys haven't played here.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48It still blows you away being down here on the field.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53Stepping up to the challenge are the South African Scarlets.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56It's their first time in this great cauldron of Welsh rugby.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00It's unbelievable. It's probably one of the best stadiums in the world.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04It's an amazing atmosphere. I can't wait till it's full tomorrow.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06I've been looking forward to playing here.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08It's a lot of the boys' first time,
0:14:08 > 0:14:10especially the South Africans, so really looking forward to it.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13It's a venue that South Africans really enjoy visiting.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16How many times have South Africa beaten Wales here?
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Not every time they've been here, actually.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24The Millennium Stadium magic is also doing Rhys Priestland some good.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29The star player has been out for three months with an Achilles injury
0:14:29 > 0:14:32and he's itching to get back on the pitch with his team-mates.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36It can get quite tough when you're in every day doing your own thing,
0:14:36 > 0:14:40not with the other players, but you will be a very lucky player
0:14:40 > 0:14:43if you go through your career without any injuries
0:14:43 > 0:14:46so it's just my turn this time so I've got to get on with it.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52Back at Parc Y Scarlets, supporters want to be kept in the picture
0:14:52 > 0:14:55about progress with other matters.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59The supporters' trust holds regular meetings with management.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03At this stage of the season, the talk is often about player transfers
0:15:03 > 0:15:05but this year there's an extra edge.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09They are the supporters, they are the club, it's right that they
0:15:09 > 0:15:12should ask, and it's right that we should tell them as much as we can.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15You know, individual detail is difficult.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17In all fairness to the club,
0:15:17 > 0:15:20they front up to the supporters on a regular basis.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22This one in particular is quite timely
0:15:22 > 0:15:25because of what is happening with George North
0:15:25 > 0:15:29and we as supporters don't know as yet whether he is staying with us
0:15:29 > 0:15:31or going to Northampton.
0:15:31 > 0:15:36I would not like to see George go but what will be will be, I suppose.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39The fans aren't backward in coming forward.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42George North has one year left on his contract.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44We could have George North next year
0:15:44 > 0:15:47on those terms that were negotiated two years ago.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51Presumably, the club doesn't see that as the right way forward.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54The burning question here is, what comes first,
0:15:54 > 0:15:55the rugby or the business?
0:15:55 > 0:15:57You can't divorce the two.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00Believe me, what keeps me awake at night is paying the wages next month.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03Without the business, there is no rugby.
0:16:03 > 0:16:08We have to be sustainable so the business, or one player
0:16:08 > 0:16:10or one chairman, come to that,
0:16:10 > 0:16:12is never going to be bigger than the club.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15The business, to an extent, yes, has to come first.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19The Scarlets have offered George North as much as they can.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21It's nowhere near enough.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24So, they can hang onto him for another year, then watch him
0:16:24 > 0:16:28walk away with no return on their investment in developing him,
0:16:28 > 0:16:32or they can sell him now and use the fee, his salary
0:16:32 > 0:16:35and his squad place to develop a new star.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38We've gone as far as we can for the next contract.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40That's not going to be enough.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44The next decision is, are we prepared to release early?
0:16:44 > 0:16:49And then it becomes a wider business context in terms of,
0:16:49 > 0:16:54if we release early, can we continue to strengthen the wider squad?
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Will that help the overall picture?
0:16:59 > 0:17:03Over in the training centre, there's double trouble for Julie
0:17:03 > 0:17:05in the build-up to the darts.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07It is quite intense at the moment
0:17:07 > 0:17:11because I think I haven't got enough seats.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Still not enough seats.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16'See you later. Thanks. Bye.'
0:17:18 > 0:17:22"Can I bring 11?" No, you can't!
0:17:23 > 0:17:26And the Scarlets' in-house catering team
0:17:26 > 0:17:29is struggling to make the rations stretch.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32I think we've had an increase of about 50 or 60 covers
0:17:32 > 0:17:37since Wednesday so it means that, somehow or other, I need to try
0:17:37 > 0:17:42and produce another 60 portions of home-made gammon and leek terrine.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48With a football match being played at the same time as the darts event,
0:17:48 > 0:17:50Julie has to keep on her toes.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53The two sets of fans need to be kept apart
0:17:53 > 0:17:56by different coloured wristbands,
0:17:56 > 0:17:58but Julie has got her elastics in a twist.
0:17:58 > 0:18:03Erm, all I've had is the Heart And Soul Cafe, which is the green ones.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Blue?!
0:18:08 > 0:18:09Oh, my God!
0:18:09 > 0:18:11She's stressed.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14I've only gone and given the same wristband out.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16What a disaster!
0:18:18 > 0:18:22But the evening is far from disaster.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26The football fans watch the football...
0:18:27 > 0:18:29..and the darts fans head for the bar.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32I think everybody is having a good time.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35The food is going well
0:18:35 > 0:18:37so, at the moment, everybody is enjoying the darts.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42Julie's efforts have scored maximum points.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46The drinks are flowing, the food is disappearing...
0:18:46 > 0:18:47Game on!
0:18:47 > 0:18:50..and that means that the cash is rolling in.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54Game shot!
0:18:54 > 0:18:59The 2013 Red Dragon Scarlets Masters champion is Simon Whitlock!
0:18:59 > 0:19:02The darts has been a crowd-pleaser
0:19:02 > 0:19:05but what will the verdict be on Judgement Day?
0:19:09 > 0:19:13Staging the double-header on Easter weekend seems to be doing the trick.
0:19:13 > 0:19:1830,000 fans are heading towards the Millennium Stadium -
0:19:18 > 0:19:20far more than the likely attendance
0:19:20 > 0:19:24if the games were held in the regions' home grounds.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27A good result even before the first ball is kicked.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Kick it away. Kick it away!
0:19:35 > 0:19:39And for Scarlets' fans, there's a special bonus.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42The team finds a way to unleash its most potent weapon.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45COMMENTATOR: George North just coming back to join them.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47Owen Williams takes them on the outside. Gets it away.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50Here comes North! He's clear!
0:19:50 > 0:19:51That was so well worked!
0:19:54 > 0:19:57But not everything is going their way.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59COMMENTATOR: A break by Jonathan Evans!
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- That is a great try.- And what a great try by Jonathan Evans!
0:20:02 > 0:20:06But, in the end, the Scarlets' big names come good.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09COMMENTATOR: Great pick up by Gareth Owen. Ken Owens!
0:20:09 > 0:20:12George North outside him. George North is there!
0:20:12 > 0:20:16It's game, set and match Scarlets now.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28But it's George North's future, not his performance today,
0:20:28 > 0:20:29that the press want to tackle.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33George North, what is the message about his value to the side today,
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- do you think?- He took his tries very well, he looked sharp,
0:20:37 > 0:20:40so I was really pleased with his performance
0:20:40 > 0:20:42with everything else that has been going on off the pitch.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- How is he coping with that, do you think?- You tell me.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47He's coping well on the pitch.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Exactly. That's the most important thing.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Just before kick-off,
0:20:51 > 0:20:54former Scarlets Chief Executive, Stuart Gallacher,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57has said that George has turned down an offer to stay in Llanelli.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01On the day that he's proved his value to the Scarlets,
0:21:01 > 0:21:04it now seems almost certain that he'll be leaving.
0:21:04 > 0:21:09Is it disappointing that Stuart should choose to intervene like that
0:21:09 > 0:21:12when he's not officially involved with the club any more?
0:21:12 > 0:21:15I don't know. I'm not going to comment on it, Graham.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- It's not helpful for you. - It's not really my...
0:21:17 > 0:21:20It's not something I'm going to talk about right now.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23I want to concentrate on the rugby and the important thing is
0:21:23 > 0:21:25we got a result and a performance from players.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- Stuart did say...- Don't ask me any questions about Stuart Gallacher.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31I don't know anything about it.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35What he did say was that George North turned down a contract
0:21:35 > 0:21:38to sign for an extra year. That's what he said.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41Simon has made it clear that he's here to talk about his players
0:21:41 > 0:21:42and the performance today.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50But the George North transfer situation is now becoming entangled
0:21:50 > 0:21:53in the wider politics of Welsh rugby.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Less than a week after Judgement Day,
0:21:57 > 0:22:01regional executives are back in Cardiff for a press conference.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05In a statement, the WRU has criticised them
0:22:05 > 0:22:09for not working with the union to keep top players in Wales.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13And there are accusations that the Scarlets opened discussions
0:22:13 > 0:22:15to transfer George North without his knowledge.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19Tensions which have been mounting for months have finally erupted.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23Given George North has probably been the catalyst for this,
0:22:23 > 0:22:27the union said that the Scarlets had offered him
0:22:27 > 0:22:30to other clubs without his knowledge. True or false?
0:22:30 > 0:22:36Any discussions that Scarlets have at any time
0:22:36 > 0:22:39regarding any player are held either with that player
0:22:39 > 0:22:43or, more generally, as is industry practice,
0:22:43 > 0:22:44with that player's representative.
0:22:44 > 0:22:50'The stark facts are that we held a board meeting on 28th of January'
0:22:50 > 0:22:55where one of our directors stated that he had been approached
0:22:55 > 0:22:59by a French club for the second time, actually,
0:22:59 > 0:23:03to ask if we would be prepared
0:23:03 > 0:23:07to release George early from his contract.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10The first thing we did was that particular director went back
0:23:10 > 0:23:13to the club in question and said, "OK, we might be prepared
0:23:13 > 0:23:16"to consider it, but you need to speak to George's agent."
0:23:16 > 0:23:20The fact that there was a statement put out after that
0:23:20 > 0:23:25that said that we had opened discussions with clubs
0:23:25 > 0:23:30outside of the UK in December - categorically not true.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35We need to keep our best players here.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38It's not just George North, the regions are frustrated with
0:23:38 > 0:23:42a lack of progress in tackling the structural problems of Welsh rugby.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45How can they raise their game when they are already losing money?
0:23:45 > 0:23:48The level of losses is quite substantial
0:23:48 > 0:23:51and there's no mystery in the fact that the biggest cost
0:23:51 > 0:23:54is player cost, and controlling the player cost is how the regions
0:23:54 > 0:23:57are trying to balance their books.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01To try and solve these problems, the regions and the WRU
0:24:01 > 0:24:03have set up a joint body,
0:24:03 > 0:24:06the Professional Regional Game Board, the PRGB,
0:24:06 > 0:24:09but after months of arguing over how it would operate,
0:24:09 > 0:24:12it still hasn't really got down to business.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16In most businesses, this would have taken...
0:24:16 > 0:24:18the whole thing would have taken two months.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22You know, we are the best part of two years down the line now
0:24:22 > 0:24:25and here we are seemingly no further forward.
0:24:25 > 0:24:30If it had taken the two months it would in normal circumstances,
0:24:30 > 0:24:32we'd be ten months into solutions.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35It isn't good for fans and it isn't good for sponsors.
0:24:35 > 0:24:36It isn't good for me!
0:24:37 > 0:24:39As the press conference ends,
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Antonia gets news that the WRU has responded.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45They have issued a statement saying,
0:24:45 > 0:24:48"The WRU welcomes the desire of the regional organisations
0:24:48 > 0:24:51"to continue discussions on how best to secure a winning future
0:24:51 > 0:24:55"for professional rugby in Wales and retain the best Welsh talent.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59"The WRU will outline to the four regional organisations
0:24:59 > 0:25:02"a strategy for the professional game in Wales
0:25:02 > 0:25:06"and would welcome input from all four regional organisations."
0:25:06 > 0:25:10But there's no mention from the union of the PRGB
0:25:10 > 0:25:13and the stalled progress at top level
0:25:13 > 0:25:16is beginning to affect players and coaches on the ground.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21'It's the soap opera of Welsh rugby again.'
0:25:21 > 0:25:27We are, I suppose, puppets in that soap opera,
0:25:27 > 0:25:30for want of a better word. It is difficult.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35PLAYERS: ..two, three, four, five, six...
0:25:35 > 0:25:37And, of course, we're told decisions have to be made
0:25:37 > 0:25:40for the good of the business but that doesn't help the rugby.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42We want for the good of the rugby.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47And on the same day that tensions between the regions and the WRU
0:25:47 > 0:25:50become very public, Parc Y Scarlets gets the news
0:25:50 > 0:25:52it has been bracing itself for.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56Team Manager Garan Evans has just heard that George North's agent
0:25:56 > 0:25:58has been on the line.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00The player has signed for Northampton.
0:26:02 > 0:26:07Emotions are quite low here. That's amongst the management and coaches.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11So when you consider the players, it is difficult,
0:26:11 > 0:26:15but we have to focus on trying to get to the top for.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17With everything going on in the background,
0:26:17 > 0:26:19it does take away that focus.
0:26:23 > 0:26:28A few days later, three weeks after the rumours first emerged,
0:26:28 > 0:26:31confirmation that George North is leaving the Scarlets
0:26:31 > 0:26:33is finally made public.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38It's huge news. Huge news.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41It's part of the game, isn't it?
0:26:41 > 0:26:45Part and parcel of the game, perhaps, but for the coaches,
0:26:45 > 0:26:48that doesn't make it easier to handle.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54The business is not sustainable based on emotion.
0:26:54 > 0:26:59The business is only sustainable based on numbers and cash, frankly.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02The most important thing that we need to do is to be here tomorrow.
0:27:02 > 0:27:03That's our first responsibility.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10As ever, for the next home game, the whole Scarlets family gathers
0:27:10 > 0:27:13to cheer their heroes on.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17But it's been a tough few weeks and feelings are still running high.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20Ladies and gentlemen, I played for this club for 16 seasons.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23It's the only club I played for, I worship the club.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27This week has been a bit of a sad week,
0:27:27 > 0:27:30we can't get away from it and I'm not going to hide away from it.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32I don't know the facts, I don't know the figures,
0:27:32 > 0:27:36I don't know anything about money involved at the club,
0:27:36 > 0:27:40but we've lost a young man called George North to Northampton.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44Now, those people in higher positions than me will say,
0:27:44 > 0:27:47"We had to do it, that is the way it goes
0:27:47 > 0:27:50"and that's the way rugby business is run these days."
0:27:50 > 0:27:54The sad thing for me is that we lost a 20-year-old.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57That does kick me in the stomach a little bit,
0:27:57 > 0:28:00that we lost a 20-year-old who has come through the system
0:28:00 > 0:28:04and I wish George, please God, have a great time in Northampton,
0:28:04 > 0:28:06become a British Lion,
0:28:06 > 0:28:09go on and achieve everything you want to achieve in life
0:28:09 > 0:28:14but always remember that you were a Scarlet at one time of your life.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17We will go on, but for God's sake,
0:28:17 > 0:28:19it's about time Welsh rugby got its act together.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23COMMENTATOR: George North shows what a dangerous finisher he is!
0:28:23 > 0:28:26Come on, Scarlets!
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Will the George North saga derail the Scarlets' whole season?
0:28:29 > 0:28:34Or can they play through the pain to reach the league play-offs?
0:28:34 > 0:28:37The boys have given their all out there. You can see the injuries.