Scarlets 'cured' of the Davies fever
Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:20
Thanks for the memories: Phil Davies on his way out
Llanelli Scarlets confirmed on Wednesday that Director of Rugby Phil Davies had been sacked after a run of poor results for the Welsh regional side.
Davies, who took over at Stradey Park two seasons ago when Gareth Jenkins left the club to become Wales coach, guided the Scarlets to the semifinals of last year's Heineken Cup, where they lost to Leicester.
But this season they failed to record a single point in their Heineken Cup pool matches and also struggled to make much of an impression upon the EDF Energy Cup and the Magners League.
Former Llanelli and Wales forward Davies, 44, was appointed Scarlets boss after leaving a similar role with English side Leeds.
"The board of the Llanelli Scarlets has this [Wednesday] afternoon confirmed that Director of Rugby, Phil Davies has been served notice on his contract of employment with the Region," a statement issued by the club said.
"The decision made by the board was discussed at a meeting held between Phil Davies and chairman of the board Huw Evans in Llanelli."
It added: "The club will be in ongoing discussions with Phil to reach agreement on his departure during the contractual notice period which runs until the end of May 2008."
The statement went on to say that Davies had left the Scarlets on Wednesday and would be serving out his notice period away from the club, explaining his departure had been a "difficult decision to make" and "disappointing for all parties concerned".
Paul Moriarty, supported by fellow Wales internationals Robert Jones and Wayne Proctor, will be responsible for team matters while Llanelli consider a replacement for Davies.
There is speculation within Wales that Davies's departure will pave the way for Jenkins to return to Llanelli, possibly in a new role as an Elite Performance Director.
Jenkins was dismissed as Wales coach the day after the side failed to reach the quarterfinals of last year's World Cup - following a dramatic defeat by Fiji in Nantes.
He was replaced by Warren Gatland and the New Zealander then guided Wales to a Six Nations Grand Slam in his first season in charge.
In his time as Llanelli coach Jenkins twice steered the Scarlets to the semifinals of the Heineken Cup, as well as winning several domestic league and cup honours.
AFP
