Former First Minister Carwyn Jones lands Welsh rugby role in big announcement

Former First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones has been appointed to the board of Welsh rugby region the Scarlets. The appointment comes as the Welsh Rugby Union considers plans to reduce the country's professional teams from four to three. The Scarlets are currently competing with the Ospreys for the west Wales licence, and Jones's political influence is expected to strengthen the club's position.

Jones, who served as First Minister from 2009 to 2018, is a lifelong rugby supporter and currently sits in the House of Lords. He joins a Scarlets board that includes chairman Simon Muderack and managing director Jon Daniels. Jones has publicly stated his belief that Welsh rugby needs to maintain four professional teams to secure the future of the sport.