Davies takes over Scarlets reigns

Wed, 14 May 2008 16:43

Nigel Davies, the Head of Rugby Development at the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), has been appointed Head Coach of the Llanelli Scarlets and will take up his new role in time to prepare his squad for the 2008/2009 season.

The WRU thanked Nigel Davies for his work which has helped to formulate one of the key administrative roles in Welsh rugby and wished him well in his move back to elite coaching.

Nigel Davies is returning to the team he represented 498 times as a player and from where he won 29 caps for Wales and also achieved the honour of captaining his country before retiring to continue his link as Assistant coach.

"It is a great honour for me to accept for the role of Head Coach at one of the most famous teams in world rugby," said Davies.

"I am grateful to the Scarlets for giving me the chance to take up this challenge and I want to thank Roger Lewis and the Welsh Rugby Union for their good wishes.

"I would like to think that in my time as Head of Rugby Development I have helped crystallise this important new role and I look forward to working closely with whoever takes over from me at the Union.

"It is really exciting to be returning to the Llanelli Scarlets with the new stadium taking shape and the playing squad being strengthened in time for the new season.

"I believe the experience and knowledge I have gained as a player, coach and administrator so far in my career has been the perfect preparation for the role I am now stepping into.

"I am also looking forward immensely to working closely with the national coach, Warren Gatland, to ensure he is fully aware of the progress being achieved by all the talent we will be developing at the Scarlets.

"My focus now will be on the thrilling challenges ahead and I approach those challenges with eager determination," added Davies.

Nigel Davies will remain with the WRU for several weeks before taking over the reigns at Llanelli, but his job as Head of Rugby Development is being advertised immediately.

Going forward the role will be an Executive Board level appointment at the Welsh Rugby Union.

WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, said: "Whilst it is sad to see Nigel [Davies] leave the Union we are delighted he is moving to a position at the very top of Welsh rugby.

"He has made great strides in a short time as our Head of Rugby Development and his work has already helped us realise the full strategic and operational importance of the role. He would have joined the Executive Board of the WRU if he had stayed and the new appointment will start at that level.

"I must thank the Llanelli Scarlets for keeping us fully informed throughout the process so that we could ensure a smooth transition.

"Nigel's experience with the WRU will help him settle quickly into his new role which will help build and develop the close liaison we now enjoy with each of our four regions.

"This is an example of how talent nurtured and developed in Wales is being retained to make a difference to the development and growth of Welsh rugby," concluded Lewis.

In his new role created by the region Nigel Davies will be responsible for first team performance and management of the Scarlets' 40 strong squad of players and lead its team of coaching and fitness staff.