Former Wales boss Davies steps in to help URC strugglers after sacking

Former Wales coach and captain Nigel Davies has returned to the Scarlets with immediate effect in a new interim director of rugby role.

The 29-cap former Wales centre has arrived at Parc y Scarlets following Leigh Jones’ departure as rugby performance director with the club sitting at the foot of the United Rugby Championship ladder and winless in the Investec Champions Cup.

It will mark Davies’ return to his former club after more than a decade, after coaching the side between 2008 and 2012 before joining Gloucester. He also took charge of Wales for one match in 2007 as caretaker head coach.

Davies will work closely alongside head coach Dwayne Peel “within an aligned performance framework”.

The pair’s first job will be to mastermind a victory over last season’s Champions Cup runners-up Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Garden on Sunday.

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“This is about bringing clarity, alignment and stability to the rugby programme,” Davies said.

“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.”

Executive chairman Simon Muderack added: “This is a strategic decision by the Board to strengthen our rugby performance structures for the remainder of this season. 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 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.”