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The Scarlets have made a significant change, with Nigel Davies returning to the club above Dwayne Peel
New interim Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies(Image: @rileySportsPhotography)
The Scarlets have confirmed the return of former Wales coach Nigel Davies as interim director of rugby with immediate effect until the end of the season.
Davies’ appointment is a response to a disappointing season to date which has seen the Scarlets win just twice. Despite mounting pressure from supporters, Dwayne Peel will retain his position as head coach with Davies above him as DOR.
Davies will oversee the Scarlets rugby department, reporting directly to the club’s board of directors. He will have overall accountability for on-field performances, results and selection.
Peel will continue to lead daily coaching, match preparation and technical delivery, working closely with Davies within “an aligned performance framework”.
The restructure has also led to the departure of rugby performance director Leigh Jones.
“This is a strategic decision by the Board to strengthen our rugby performance structures for the remainder of this season,” said Scarlets executive chairman Simon Muderack.
“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 former 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.
“Everyone at our club remains fully committed to improving results and to see our team playing with a strong Scarlets identity and ensure our loyal and dedicated stakeholders and supporters have plenty to cheer about for the rest of this season.”
Former Wales centre Davies enjoyed two separate periods coaching the Scarlets.
Between 1999-2005 he was Gareth Jenkins’ right-hand man as the Scarlets reached two Heineken Cup semi-finals and four quarter-finals, while they also won the Celtic League in 2004 along with numerous domestic titles.
He then followed Jenkins to the national side where he was attack coach. Following the ill-fated 2007 Rugby World Cup, Davies took on the role of the Welsh Rugby Union’s head of rugby for a season while also being interim head coach for one game against South Africa in 2007.
Davies returned to the Scarlets as head coach for four seasons in 2008, playing a central role in developing a generation of top-class Welsh talent such as Jonathan Davies, Rhys Priestland, George North, Ken Owens, Liam Williams and Josh Turnbull, among others.
He also enjoyed two seasons as director of rugby at Gloucester before helping Ebbw Vale win the Welsh Premiership and then becoming CEO of Merthyr.
“This is about bringing clarity, alignment and stability to the rugby programme,” said Davies.
“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.
“Scarlets have always had a strong and proud rugby identity, with a rich rugby heritage and deep-seated values and traditions.
“The club is embedded in the culture of communities across West Wales.
“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.
“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.”
