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Nigel Davies is putting an impressive coaching team together ahead of the new season
The Scarlets have appointed highly-rated New Zealander Aaron Dundon from Leinster as the club’s lead forwards coach ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Dundon will work alongside specialist lineout coach Albert van den Berg and contact area coach Bradley Davies.
Former Wales hooker Emyr Phillips, who has been in charge of the scrum, has moved to full-time role leading the Scarlets academy.
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Interim director of rugby Nigel Davies has been busy putting a strong coaching team together with Dwayne Peel retained and St Helens’ Eamon O’Carroll recently appointed as defence coach.
Widely respected as one of Irish rugby’s brightest forward coaches, Dundon arrives in west Wales with a reputation for technical excellence, meticulous preparation and developing high-performing packs that consistently perform under pressure.
Born in New Zealand, and a former Leinster player Dundon has built an impressive coaching CV across the professional game, holding coaching roles with Leinster Rugby, Ireland U20s, FC Grenoble, Ulster Rugby and La Rochelle and has coached in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship with Tasman Mako.
The Scarlets say he will oversee the Scarlets’ forwards programme, bringing together the scrum, lineout, maul and collision areas into one aligned identity and driving standards to build a physical, competitive pack capable of challenging the best teams in the United Rugby Championship.
“Aaron is someone who has been highly recommended by people whose opinions I trust enormously,” said Davies.
“Every conversation came back to the same qualities; his technical expertise, his preparation, attention to detail and ability to develop forward packs that consistently perform under pressure.
“He has developed within one of the strongest coaching systems in world rugby and has worked alongside some outstanding coaches throughout his career.
“Just as importantly, he is passionate about developing players, building strong relationships and continually driving standards. He is a forward-thinking coach who challenges standards, embraces innovation and builds strong relationships with players.
“We wanted someone who could lead our entire forwards programme while ensuring every area works together. Aaron brings that leadership, but he also understands the importance of collaboration.
“Albert (van den Berg) is doing an outstanding job at Scarlets in developing our team to have one of the strongest lineouts in the URC competition and his expertise remains a hugely important part of our coaching group.
“Bringing Aaron into the environment allows us to build on those strengths while creating greater alignment across every aspect of our forwards play.”
Dundon will join the Scarlets ahead of pre-season.
“Joining a club with the history, ambition and identity of the Scarlets is a fantastic opportunity and one I’m incredibly excited about,” said Dundon.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with Dwayne Peel, Nigel Davies and the rest of the coaching team to help drive the club forward.
“My coaching philosophy is built on relentless preparation, attention to detail and creating a set-piece that gives the team a genuine platform to play.
“With a physical and dominant set-piece, the talented players in this squad can express themselves and play the exciting and expansive brand of rugby the Scarlets are renowned for.
“There’s a huge amount of potential within this group.
“The club has a fantastic squad which is building and I’m excited by what we can achieve together.
“The passion and backing of the Scarlets supporters are well-known throughout the game globally and I can’t wait to get started and help strengthen the team and build performances the region identifies with and is proud of.”
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