Scarlets Rugby Club have announced the return of Nigel Davies as interim director of rugby until the end of the season, following a restructuring of their back-room staff that saw rugby performance director Leigh Jones leave the Llanelli-based side.
The move comes as Scarlets struggle in the United Rugby Championship (URC), sitting at the bottom of the table, and after losing all three of their Champions Cup fixtures.
Nigel Davies: Experience and Vision for Scarlets
Davies, 60, is no stranger to Scarlets, having served as head coach between 2008 and 2012, previously working as an assistant under Gareth Jenkins. He also brings extensive experience from roles with Wales, Gloucester, Ebbw Vale, and Merthyr, making him well-equipped to guide Scarlets through a challenging season.
Davies will report directly to the club’s board and hold overall accountability for rugby performance, results, and selection, while head coach Dwayne Peel remains responsible for coaching, preparation, and technical delivery.
“This club has always thrived on delivering big results against the odds, which excite our fans and inspire future generations,” said Davies.
“My focus is on simplifying messages, reinforcing Scarlets identity and values, and creating the conditions for improved results, both in the short term and beyond.”
Davies emphasized clarity, alignment, and stability, aiming to set clear standards for performance and behavior and foster an environment where both players and coaches can thrive.
Leigh Jones Leaves Scarlets
As part of the club’s restructuring, Leigh Jones will not retain his role as rugby performance director. Jones joined Scarlets in summer 2024, having previously worked with Dragons, Wales age-grade teams, Japan, Hong Kong, Ebbw Vale, Newport, and Leicester’s rugby operations.
Reflecting on his time at Scarlets, Jones said:
“I have enjoyed my time at Parc y Scarlets and working with the team during a very dynamic and challenging period for Welsh rugby. I would like to thank the players, coaches, and staff for their support and friendship over the past 18 months.”
Context: Scarlets Amid WRU Restructuring
The appointment of Davies comes amid uncertainty in Welsh professional men’s rugby, with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) proposing a reduction from four regional clubs to three. The WRU plans to maintain one team in Cardiff, one in the east, and one in the west, potentially triggering a survival battle between Scarlets and Ospreys.
Executive chairman Simon Muderack said:
“We are delighted and grateful that Nigel has agreed to return to Parc y Scarlets. He has a proven track record in driving strategic change and cementing high-performance cultures. His rugby intellect, experience, and passion will significantly intensify our approach and drive for the rest of the season, while helping to ignite our rugby future.”
Upcoming Fixtures
Scarlets face Northampton Saints in the URC on Sunday, 18 January (15:15 GMT). If they remain in fifth place in their Champions Cup group, they risk dropping into the Challenge Cup, making Davies’ interim role crucial in turning the season around.
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