Rugby

Llanelli, as well as being the home of the Terry Griffiths Snooker Academy, is one of the most famous rugby towns in the world. It is the focal point for one of the most passionately supported rugby clubs in the world, the Scarlets - with a rich and unrivalled rugby heritage.

Llanelli's first recorded game occurred in 1876. The home side played in blue. However, it is thought that the club had been formed a few years earlier. As a result members, players and supporters of Llanelli RFC celebrated the club's centenary in 1972. The 1904/05 season was a historic one as it saw the club move to their "new" pitch at Stradey which is where the Scarlets played until October 2008. The first game on this famous pitch was on 15/10/1904 when Llanelli played Swansea, a game which they lost.

The famous Scarlets shirt was worn for the first time in 1884 against an Irish XV who had stopped off in Llanelli having played Wales in Cardiff a few days earlier. It has been worn ever since, giving rise to nickname The Scarlets, which became the region's official name in September 2008 after the Llanelli was dropped from the name in recognition of its wide geography as a rugby region.

Llanelli first came to prominence when they beat an Australian touring side in 1908. Since then they have lowered the colours of many international sides, including the mighty All Blacks in 1972 and beating the world champions Australia, 13 - 9, some 20 years later in November 1992.

Llanelli remained the undisputed cup kings of Wales, lifting the Welsh Cup 12 times in 17 final appearances. In the 1992-93 season they won a Best Team in Britain trophy after achieving the unique treble of winning the league, capturing the cup and beating the Wallabies.

The Llanelli Scarlets region was founded in July 2003 from the original Llanelli RFC when Welsh elite rugby was restructured by the WRU; with the Scarlets victorious in their battle to 'stand-alone' where others were merged to create the five which later become four, top flight rugby regions. The Scarlets officially represent the whole of West and North Wales.

It's not just famous victories that have given Llanelli such a great rugby tradition - the town and region has produced an almost endless list of talented and world-renowned players. They range from Albert Jenkins in the early 1900s to legends such as Ken Jones, Delme Thomas, Phil Bennett, Derek Quinnell and Ray Gravell. An intersting point to note is that Terry Griffiths actually played in the same school rugby team as Phil Bennet and Derek Quinell - unlikely but true!

In more recent eras there have been heroes like Ieuan Evans, Jonathan Davies and Scott Quinnell. And today's world-class Scarlets stars include Stephen Jones.  In total around 178 Wales internationals and 24 British Lions - as well as Lions coaches such as the legendary Carwyn James (New Zealand 1971) - have been bred from Llanelli rugby.

The Scarlets moved from Stradey Park at the end of November 2008 to their current home, the £23m 15,000 capacity Parc y Scarlets. The official opening ceremony was conducted by Wales' First Minister, Rhodri Morgan on 31 January 2009 followed by the Scarlets V Barbarians in front of a full house at Parc y Scarlets.  The home side secured a convincing victory 40 -24.

With such strong rugby roots and some of the most loyal and passionate supporters in world rugby, the Scarlets and Llanelli are a remarkable story of history, success, pride and passion in the world of sport.

First class rugby games at Parc Y Scarlets are very rarely sold out, so if you are interested in taking in a game during your visit to the Terry Griffiths Snooker Academy and want more information about about upcoming fixtures and prices, then visit the Official Scarlets website.