The Ospreys have insisted they are not about to merge with the Scarlets on what has been a remarkable day in Welsh rugby.

Last night, the staff at both regions were told that a merger was imminent and news began to filter through.

This morning, messages from the Dragons and Ospreys WhatsApp groups were leaked online, showing the players discussing the news.

Then, the Welsh Rugby Players Association issued a strong statement, in which Ken Owens called for player representation on the board making the big decisions.

Owens also said: "This is the most challenging situation that I or arguably any player has faced during our rugby careers."

Shortly after that, Wales named their team to face Scotland unexpectedly and Warren Gatland held a press conference, during which he insisted it was the regions driving the merger.

Within minutes, Ospreys chairmen Mike James resigned at a meeting of regional and WRU bosses, citing the Union's 'catastrophic mismanagement' of the situation.

Now the Swansea-based region insist they are not on the verge of merging with the Scarlets.

Part of their statement read: "The instability created by PRB’s chaotic approach to its own imposed restructuring criteria has been the height of recklessness at its worst and incompetent management at its best - an approach which has resulted in wild conjecture, hostility and uncertainty in the regional game."

This evening, the PRB issued a statement - on behalf of all voting members except the Ospreys representative - insisting they were advised a 'Heads of Terms for the merger had been reached between the two regions on Friday 1st March.'