Nigel Davies lands permanent Scarlets role after conducting review

Nigel Davies has been appointed Scarlets’ permanent director of rugby on a two-year deal after overseeing the club on an interim basis since January.

The former Scarlets player, captain and head coach will now lead the region into the 2026/27 season after conducting a wide-ranging review of the rugby department over the past five months.

Davies has already overseen a significant rebuild ahead of the new campaign, with Wales prop Corey Domachowski, Leinster hooker John McKee, Crusaders forward Cullen Grace, Stormers lock Alex Groves, Bath second-row Harvey Cuckson and Canterbury full-back Isaac Murray-MacGregor all arriving at Parc y Scarlets this summer.

Alongside reshaping the squad, Davies has strengthened the coaching staff and implemented a long-term performance strategy across the club’s coaching, medical, analysis and player development programmes, with Scarlets hoping to build a high-performance environment capable of sustained success.

Scarlets managing director Jon Daniels said the board had unanimously backed Davies’ vision, believing the experienced Welshman is the right figure to lead the club into its next chapter.

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“It is difficult to put into words what this club means to me,” Davies said. “Scarlets has been a huge part of my life for more than 40 years and to be given the opportunity to lead the rugby programme at such an important time in the club’s history is something I am enormously proud and honoured to do.

“Over the last five months we have taken the opportunity to challenge ourselves honestly and build a programme that we believe provides a strong foundation for the future. We have worked hard to strengthen our squad, build an outstanding coaching team and ensure every part of the rugby programme is aligned behind one clear vision.

“That work is only the beginning. We understand the challenges ahead and the expectations that come with representing this club. But I genuinely believe we now have a group of players, coaches and staff who are committed to building something our supporters can believe in and be proud of.

“What has always made Scarlets special is that it represents far more than just a rugby team. This club represents our communities across West Wales, our history, our supporters and a style of rugby that is recognised and respected across the rugby world.

“Our responsibility now is to build an environment and a team culture at Parc y Scarlets that reflects those values every single day and delivers the consistent, competitive performances our supporters and stakeholders deserve.

“We are fortunate to have one of the finest club rugby facilities anywhere in the UK. Parc y Scarlets gives us the platform to create a high-performance environment where players and staff can thrive.

“I am excited by the journey ahead. We have secured a talented and committed group of players and staff, and I genuinely believe there is a huge opportunity to move this club forward together.”

Daniels added: “Nigel’s appointment provides continuity, clarity and leadership at a critically important time for both the Scarlets and professional rugby in Wales.

“Since returning earlier this year, Nigel has undertaken a comprehensive review of every aspect of our performance rugby programme and presented a clear long-term strategy to the Board. The quality of that work, together with his understanding of the Scarlets and extensive experience in elite high-performance leadership, gave us complete confidence that he is the right person to lead this next chapter.

“Nigel understands better than anyone what this club means to our supporters and communities. There is genuine momentum, positivity and energy building around Scarlets and all those who support the club, and we are all looking forward to the start of the new season.”