Can Hope and Bravery Spark the Scarlets' Comeback?

The inclusion of Scarlets captain Josh Macleod in Wales' Six Nations squad highlights his impressive form and leadership as the team prepares for a critical clash against Ulster in the United Rugby Championship (URC). Under the guidance of interim director of rugby Nigel Davies, the Scarlets are focused on improving their performance and climbing off the bottom of the league table.

Last updated: 24 January 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Scarlets are gearing up for their upcoming match against Ulster on Saturday, 24 January, at Parc y Scarlets. After a challenging season, the team is aiming to build on their recent performance against Northampton Saints in the European Champions Cup. Nigel Davies, who stepped in as interim director of rugby, has emphasised the importance of bravery and hope in the team's approach. His leadership aims to foster confidence and improve the squad's standing in the URC, with Macleod's inclusion in the Wales squad serving as a motivational boost for the players.

Key takeaways

Scarlets captain Josh Macleod has been named in the Wales Six Nations squad.
Interim director of rugby Nigel Davies emphasizes bravery and hope as key themes for the team.
Scarlets face a crucial match against Ulster, looking to improve their league standing.
Coach Davies is encouraged by the team's recent performance despite struggling in the league.
The match features all nine players from the Scarlets’ starting XV included in the Wales squad.

Timeline: how we got here

The Scarlets have faced a turbulent season in the URC, with the following key milestones charting their recent journey:

January 2024: Nigel Davies appointed interim director of rugby, allowing Dwayne Peel to focus on coaching.
18 January 2024: Scarlets eliminated from the European Champions Cup after a match against Northampton Saints.
24 January 2024: Scarlets to play against Ulster at Parc y Scarlets, with Macleod making his 100th URC appearance.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The announcement of Scarlets’ starting lineup against Ulster, which includes all nine players selected for the Wales Six Nations squad, marks a significant development. This showcases the depth and talent within the team, with Macleod’s leadership being a pivotal factor.

What was already established

Prior to this week, the Scarlets have been struggling in the URC, with only two wins from eight league games. Their performance against Northampton Saints was viewed positively, but they still face an uphill battle to improve their league standing. The challenge against Ulster is critical, as they are currently third in the table and have been in strong form.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The Scarlets' performance impacts local fans and stakeholders, with potential benefits for businesses surrounding Parc y Scarlets should they perform well. A successful match could lift spirits and encourage attendance at subsequent games, driving local economic activity.

Businesses and jobs

For the Scarlets, improving their league position can have broader implications for sponsorships and community support. A stronger performance can also enhance the club's appeal to potential new players and sponsors, which is critical for long-term sustainability.

Policy and regulation

As the URC progresses, the Scarlets' situation may prompt discussions about the coaching structure and player development within Welsh rugby. The outcomes of this season could influence future strategies and investments in the sport at various levels.

Numbers that matter

100: The number of URC appearances Josh Macleod will achieve against Ulster.
8: The number of league games the Scarlets have played this season, winning only two.
4: The number of consecutive wins Ulster has recorded leading into this match.
9: The total number of Scarlets players selected for the Wales Six Nations squad.
15:00 GMT: The scheduled kick-off time for the Scarlets versus Ulster match.

Definitions and jargon buster

URC: United Rugby Championship – a professional rugby union league featuring teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy, and South Africa.
HIA: Head Injury Assessment – a process conducted to evaluate players for potential concussions.
Prop: A position in rugby union, typically responsible for packing down in scrums and supporting the hooker.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The immediate focus for the Scarlets should be on capitalising on their match against Ulster, using it as a springboard for confidence in upcoming fixtures. Building momentum will be crucial as they approach the Six Nations break.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, the Scarlets will need to assess their strategies and performance metrics to improve their standing in the URC. This includes evaluating player fitness, recruitment, and coaching dynamics under Davies’ leadership.

Signals to watch

Results from the match against Ulster and subsequent fixtures in the URC.
Player performances, particularly those selected for the Wales squad.
Coaching decisions and tactics employed by Nigel Davies in upcoming matches.

Practical guidance

Do

Support local businesses by attending matches and engaging with the community around rugby events.
Stay updated on player fitness and team dynamics as the season progresses.
Follow the team's performance closely to understand their development and areas for improvement.

Don’t

Ignore the impact of player injuries on team performance; these can be crucial in tight matches.
Underestimate the importance of fan support in boosting team morale.
Make assumptions about future results based solely on past performance; every match is a new opportunity.

Checklist

Check the match schedule and plan to attend key fixtures.
Engage with local rugby clubs to support grassroots initiatives.
Monitor player selections for the Six Nations to stay informed about team dynamics.
Follow updates from the Scarlets on social media for the latest news.
Consider joining a supporters group for more community engagement.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the Scarlets have shown signs of improvement, their position at the bottom of the URC table remains a concern. Injuries to key players, such as Jake Ball and Max Douglas, could hinder their progress. Additionally, the upcoming Six Nations may significantly change team dynamics as international commitments take precedence. Observers should also be mindful of the evolving strategies of competing teams like Ulster, which could impact outcomes in upcoming matches.

Bottom line

The Scarlets are at a crucial juncture as they prepare for their match against Ulster, with a focus on building confidence and performance. With Macleod's leadership and the backing of the Wales squad selection, there is potential for the team to turn their fortunes around. As the URC continues, fans and stakeholders should remain engaged and supportive of the team's efforts to improve their standings.

FAQs

What is the significance of Josh Macleod's inclusion in the Wales squad?

Josh Macleod's inclusion in the Wales Six Nations squad highlights his strong leadership and performance, which could inspire his teammates as the Scarlets aim to improve their URC standings.

How has Nigel Davies affected the Scarlets' approach?

Nigel Davies has emphasised themes of bravery and hope, aiming to uplift the team's performance and instil confidence following their recent struggles in the league.

What are the expected challenges for the Scarlets against Ulster?

The Scarlets face a tough challenge against Ulster, who are in strong form and have been winning consistently. The match will test the Scarlets' ability to adapt and perform under pressure.