Scarlets, the red of Llanelli
Our Scarlets page brings together the red hat of the Llanelli Welsh club, to support the team in the chill of winter evenings, and traces the history of the franchise from west Wales: the legacy of Llanelli RFC, winner of the All Blacks in 1972, its champion titles in the Celtic league in 2004 and 2017, and Parc y Scarlets.
The red of west Wales.
On 31 October 1972 at Stradey Park
The Scarlets are the heirs of Llanelli RFC, a club founded in 1872 and known for one famous afternoon: on 31 October 1972, at Stradey Park, they defeated the All Blacks nine to three in front of a crowd of over twenty thousand people. Centre Roy Bergiers scored the only try after blocking a clearance, and Andy Hill kicked the decisive penalty. In town, it’s said that the pubs ran dry that very night; poet and singer Max Boyce turned it into a song that became a classic of Welsh folklore.
The other foreign clubs
Foreign clubs are also represented:
All clubs are listed on the foreign clubs page.
A regional franchise born in 2003
Created in 2003 during the regional reform initiated by the Welsh federation, the Llanelli Scarlets simply became Scarlets in 2008. They won the Celtic League in their first season, in 2004, then the Pro12 in 2017: in the final, in Dublin, they defeated Munster forty-six to twenty-two, after a season praised for its flowing style of play. The team represents the west of the country, from Carmarthenshire to Ceredigion, and faces Irish provinces, Scottish clubs, Italian and South African teams in the United Rugby Championship.
Parc y Scarlets, Sospan Fach and red hat
Since November 2008, the team has been playing at Parc y Scarlets, in Pemberton, near Llanelli, which replaced the old Stradey Park. The fans sing Sospan Fach, which means 'little saucepan', a Welsh song linked to Llanelli's industrial past, once the capital of tinplate: saucepans actually topped the posts at Stradey Park. The club's hat, scarlet red adorned with the crest, is worn in the stands on rainy and windy evenings coming in from the estuary, and on a daily basis when the Welsh winter sets in.
Bargain deals
Bargains can also be found in the bargain deals, promotions, clearance sales, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24 hours are packed and dispatched in 24 hours. The year's highlights follow a regular order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, winter sales, spring French Days, followed by summer sales and back-to-school.
Frequently asked questions
Which great players have worn the scarlet shirt?
Fly-half Phil Bennett and centre Ray Gravell brought glory to Llanelli in the seventies. In the era of the Scarlets, hooker Ken Owens and centre Jonathan Davies, both selected with the British Lions, led the team to the title in 2017.
Who is the Scarlets' main rival?
The derby of west Wales sees the Scarlets face the Ospreys, the team from Swansea and Neath. The rivalry continues the very old one between Llanelli and Swansea, two neighbouring towns separated by the Loughor estuary.
Does Llanelli RFC still exist?
Yes. The historic club continues to play in the Welsh league under the professional franchise and serves as a stepping stone for young players in the region. The Scarlets and Llanelli share the same scarlet identity and fanbase.
How do I choose the size of a supporter hat?
A club hat is often offered in a one-size-fits-all: the ribbed knit stretches to fit most adult head sizes. A folded cuff helps to cover the ears well when the wind blows in the stands.
How do I care for a knitted hat?
Wash it by hand or on a wool cycle, in cold water, with a gentle detergent. Press it without wringing, and lay it flat on a towel to dry, away from a radiator, to maintain its shape and elasticity.
