Welsh merger in turmoil

SCARLETS insists any planned merger with Welsh regional rivals Ospreys is off the table.

Welsh rugby is in domestic turmoil – and discussions now appear deadlocked – over so-called Project Reset.

Scarlets and Ospreys were expected to join forces, together with a new professional team being formed in north Wales, alongside existing Welsh regions Cardiff Blues and the Dragons.

But Ospreys chairman Mike James has resigned, citing the WRU’s “catastrophic mismanagement” of efforts to overhaul the game.

A Scarlets club statement then said: “We were told the Ospreys had changed their mind. The merger is off the table.” will be his opponent in New York on May 18. CRICKET: Edinburgh and Glasgow will be the Scots franchises in a six-team European Twenty20 league that will kick off in August and also include sides from Ireland and Holland.

The franchises will field teams with a minimum of six domestic players and up to five overseas recruits with league chiefs hopeful a concept that mirrors India’s successful IPL can attract marquee names.

The competition is set to be televised globally BASKETBALL: Glasgow Rocks coach Vincent Lavandier is hoping to make a late push to qualify for the BBL play-offs.

The Frenchman will take charge for the first time in tomorrow’s trip to Newcastle Eagles.

Rocks sit ninth in the BBL and Lavandier said: “First we need to win games but it’s never easy. At this moment it’s possible to look at the championship and the playoffs.”