Davies returns to Scarlets as Jones departs

Nigel Davies has returned to Scarlets as interim director of rugby until the end of the season.

The Llanelli club are currently bottom of the United Rugby Championship (URC) and have lost all three Champions Cup fixtures.

Scarlets had made back-room changes after a review by the board, with rugby performance director Leigh Jones leaving the club.

Former Wales and Llanelli centre Davies returns to work with head coach Dwayne Peel.

“This club has always thrived on delivering big results against the odds which excite our fans and inspire future generations of players in the game,” said Davies.

“The hard work continues with a talented squad of players and I am looking forward to lending my support and drive to the group for the remainder of this season.”

The 60-year-old was head coach of Scarlets between 2008 and 2012 after previously being assistant under Gareth Jenkins, while he has also had roles with Wales, Gloucester, Ebbw Vale and Merthyr.

Scarlets say Davies will report directly to the board with “overall accountability for rugby performance, results and selection”, while Peel will lead the coaching, preparation and technical delivery.

“This is about bringing clarity, alignment and stability to the rugby programme,” added the 29-times capped former centre.

“I will take full accountability for performance and results, set clear standards for how we play and behave and ensure the environment supports players and coaches to perform.

“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.”

The appointment comes at a time of great uncertainty in professional men’s rugby with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) planning to cut from four clubs to three.

The governing body intend to have one in Cardiff, one in the east and one in the west, which could result in a survival fight between Scarlets and Swansea-based Ospreys.

Executive chairman Simon Muderack said: “We are delighted and grateful that Nigel has agreed to return to Parc y Scarlets to lead and support the rugby environment during this crucial period in our season and at a time when Welsh rugby is entrenched in a challenging and wide-ranging review.

“A great of this club, Nigel has a proven track record in driving strategic change and cementing high performance cultures and processes.

“We believe the depth of his rugby intellect, experience and passion for our club and for rugby in Wales will significantly intensify our approach and drive for the rest of the season, as well as help ignite our rugby future.”

Jones, formerly a coach with Dragons, Wales age-grade teams, Japan, Hong Kong, Ebbw Vale and Newport, joined Scarlets in the summer of 2024 after previously being in charge of Leicester’s rugby operations.

Scarlets state that his role as rugby performance director will not be retained as part of their restructure.

Jone said: “I have enjoyed my time at Parc y Scarlets and working with the Scarlets team during a very dynamic and challenging time for Welsh Rugby.

“I would like to express my thanks to the players, coaches and staff for their support and friendship over the past 18 months.”

Scarlets travel to Northampton on Sunday, 18 January (15:15 GMT) with the prospect of dropping out of the Champions Cup into the Challenge Cup if they stay in fifth place in their group.