The new site - www.scarlets.co.uk - utilises a  multilingual content management system which ensures all the text - from news stories, to page headers, league tables and alt tags - is either in English or in Welsh.

The design is a triumph for leading sports website developers Sotic - but it was not without its challenges, said content manager Jonathan McConnell.

"The biggest hurdle was in making sure everything, every bit of detail, reached the same standard on both sites," he said. "We had to go through the site methodically, because we wanted the emphasis to be the same whether it was in Welsh or English.

"We didn't want to miss anything, or for a Welsh speaker to be looking at the Welsh version and to find some English words popping up.

"Now Scarlets fans can sign up for the club's ezine in English or Welsh; send a feedback request, order tickets, print a page or use the search engine in either language. In the New Year, the club's online shop will also be launched in Welsh.

"We are really pleased with the results and feel justifiably proud that not only can we deliver a good looking, user friendly site - but also one that is bilingual and therefore open to all."

To ensure the site is completely bilingual, the Scarlets have appointed Welsh speaker Nerys Henry as the club's communications officer and website translator.

"We are really pleased with the site - it's an innovation in itself, because we are the first region to go with a bilingual website," she said.

"We are very proud of our club and our policy to work bilingually - so it is fantastic that we can offer people a service in both languages.

"As we are a Welsh region and one that covers the most Welsh-speaking part of the country, it is very important we can offer something to our supporters that makes them feel completely involved."

Former Scarlets player and Welsh international Rupert Moon, now the club's commercial director, added: "The Scarlets' region represents West, Mid and North Wales and is a club and region with a rich and vibrant history and heritage.

"Developing a bilingual website was important in order for us to show our commitment to our supporters and ensure that the region is a true reflection of their everyday lives.

"The Scarlets is very much in touch with the family approach to Welsh rugby, culture and heritage - and it is important for us to show our commitment and backing to the Welsh language."