Is Davies Back at Scarlets as Jones Exits?

Nigel Davies has returned to the Scarlets as interim director of rugby amid a challenging season, tasked with revitalising a team currently struggling at the bottom of the United Rugby Championship (URC) and facing elimination from the Champions Cup. His experience and familiarity with the club, having previously coached the Scarlets from 2008 to 2012, position him to bring much-needed stability and strategic direction during this tumultuous period.

Last updated: 14 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Scarlets find themselves in a precarious position at the bottom of the URC standings, having lost all three of their Champions Cup fixtures this season. This dismal performance prompted a review by the club's board, leading to significant back-room changes, including the departure of rugby performance director Leigh Jones. In response to these challenges, the club has appointed Nigel Davies as interim director of rugby, where he will oversee rugby performance, results, and player selection while supporting head coach Dwayne Peel. This appointment aims to bring clarity and stability to the Scarlets at a time when Welsh rugby is undergoing considerable scrutiny and potential restructuring.

Key takeaways

Nigel Davies returns to the Scarlets as interim director of rugby after previously coaching the team from 2008 to 2012.
The Scarlets are currently bottom of the URC and have lost all Champions Cup matches this season.
Leigh Jones, the rugby performance director, has left the club following a board review.
Davies aims to simplify communication and reinforce the club's identity and values.
The Welsh Rugby Union is considering reducing the number of professional clubs in Wales, adding to the uncertainty.

Timeline: how we got here

The Scarlets have faced a tumultuous season, marked by the following key events:

2008-2012: Nigel Davies serves as head coach of the Scarlets, leading the team to notable successes.
Summer 2024: Leigh Jones is appointed as rugby performance director at Scarlets.
October 2023: Following a dismal start to the season, the Scarlets' board conducts a review, resulting in Leigh Jones's departure and Nigel Davies's appointment as interim director of rugby.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Nigel Davies's appointment as interim director of rugby is the most significant recent development, aimed at bringing stability to the Scarlets during a challenging season. His immediate focus will be on improving team performance and enhancing player support.

What was already established

The Scarlets have been struggling in the URC and Champions Cup, with a record of defeats that has raised concerns about the club's future. The Welsh Rugby Union's review of professional rugby in Wales has also been a topic of ongoing discussion, with potential implications for club structures.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For fans and supporters, the Scarlets' current struggles may impact match attendance and merchandise sales, as the team’s performance directly influences community support and engagement. Additionally, the club's potential restructuring could affect local employment and economic activity associated with match days.

Businesses and jobs

The uncertainty surrounding the Scarlets could pose challenges for local businesses that rely on rugby-related activities. Should the club undergo restructuring, this may also affect jobs within the organisation and the wider sporting community in Wales, especially if the number of professional clubs decreases.

Policy and regulation

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is contemplating a significant shift from four professional clubs to three. This decision could lead to further instability in Welsh rugby and potentially impact the Scarlets' future, as they may find themselves in a competitive struggle with the Ospreys for survival.

Numbers that matter

0: The number of wins for the Scarlets in their current Champions Cup campaign.
3: The number of matches lost in the Champions Cup, which has left the Scarlets in a precarious position.
29: The number of caps Nigel Davies earned for Wales, underscoring his experience in rugby.
4: The number of professional rugby clubs currently in Wales, which the WRU plans to reduce to three.
15: The date of the Scarlets' next match against Northampton, which will be critical for their Champions Cup hopes.

Definitions and jargon buster

URC: United Rugby Championship, a professional rugby union league in which teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa, and Wales compete.
WRU: Welsh Rugby Union, the governing body for rugby in Wales.
Scarlets: A professional rugby union team based in Llanelli, Wales.
Champions Cup: A prestigious annual rugby union competition for the top European clubs.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the Scarlets must focus on improving their performance in the URC and Champions Cup. The upcoming match against Northampton on 18 January will be crucial for their hopes of avoiding relegation to the Challenge Cup.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, Davies’s role will be pivotal in establishing a clear strategy and reinforcing the club's identity. The Scarlets will need to demonstrate improvement to avoid being embroiled in discussions about potential cuts to the club's future.

Signals to watch

Match results in the URC and Champions Cup, particularly against key rivals.
Decisions from the WRU regarding club restructuring and the future landscape of professional rugby in Wales.
Changes in player performance and morale as Davies implements new strategies.

Practical guidance

Do

Support the team by attending matches and engaging with community events.
Stay informed about club developments and changes in rugby governance.
Encourage discussions about the importance of sustaining professional rugby in Wales.

Don’t

Engage in negativity towards the players and coaching staff during this challenging period.
Assume that club restructuring will not affect the local community; stay aware of potential impacts.
Overlook the importance of nurturing young talent and supporting grassroots rugby initiatives.

Checklist

Check the schedule for upcoming Scarlets matches.
Follow news updates regarding the WRU and club restructuring.
Engage with club social media for insights and community engagement opportunities.
Attend local rugby events to support grassroots initiatives.
Discuss potential strategies for the club's recovery with fellow fans.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The Scarlets are facing significant risks due to their current performance and the broader context of Welsh rugby. The uncertainty surrounding the WRU's plans to reduce the number of professional clubs poses a considerable threat to the Scarlets' future. Additionally, ongoing discussions regarding club restructuring may lead to volatility within the team and its supporters. As such, the club's management and players must navigate these challenges carefully, with a focus on performance improvement and strategic clarity.

Bottom line

Nigel Davies's appointment as interim director of rugby brings a wealth of experience to the Scarlets during a critical period. While the team struggles at the bottom of the URC and faces potential restructuring, Davies's leadership could provide the necessary stability and direction to improve results and secure a viable future for the club. Support from fans and the wider community will be vital as the Scarlets work towards recovery and renewal.

FAQs

What is Nigel Davies's role with the Scarlets?

Nigel Davies has been appointed as the interim director of rugby at the Scarlets, overseeing rugby performance, results, and player selection for the remainder of the season.

Why did Leigh Jones leave the Scarlets?

Leigh Jones departed from the Scarlets following a board review, which prompted significant changes within the club's backroom staff as part of a restructuring effort.

What challenges does the Scarlets face this season?

The Scarlets are currently bottom of the URC and have lost all their Champions Cup matches, creating significant pressure to improve performance and avoid potential restructuring by the Welsh Rugby Union.