Generations of Scarlets players will come together at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday to celebrate the people who helped make the club famous, as the new Captains’ Lounge opens its doors.
The special reunion, ahead of the EPCR Challenge Cup opener against Newcastle Red Bulls, will bring together former team-mates from across the eras for the launch of a dedicated space where old friendships can be renewed and their connection with the club can continue to grow.
From the Stradey Park side that beat the All Blacks 9-3 in 1972 to the league champions of 2004 and 2017 and memorable European campaigns, the Scarlets’ history is full of achievements that still stir the emotions of supporters. Saturday will celebrate the players behind those moments, alongside everyone who has earned the right to call themselves a Scarlet.
Among those attending will be the club’s oldest living captain, Marlston Morgan, alongside Roy Bergiers, Delme Thomas, Gareth Jenkins, Barry Llewellyn, Laurance Delaney, Colin Stephens, Simon Easterby and Leigh Davies.
The launch will also see the unveiling of updated honours boards recognising the club’s captains, head coaches, life members, internationals and British & Irish Lions. Displayed in the Captains’ Lounge, Lolfa Strade Lounge and on the South Stand concourse, they will give supporters a chance to discover the names and achievements that have shaped more than 150 years of rugby.
As part of the wider heritage project, each player will receive a unique playing number and commemorative certificate, recognising their individual place in the Scarlets’ history. The Captains’ Lounge will form part of an exciting new heritage trail at the stadium, which will chart the rich history of the club, dating back more than 150 years.
Saturday’s fixture brings a particularly fitting homecoming for Stephen Jones. The Scarlets’ record points scorer, now part of Newcastle’s coaching team, will reunite with former team-mates after the match and receive his certificate from former chairman Huw Evans along with new Scarlets Board member Carwyn Jones.
Writing in his matchday programme notes, Director of Rugby Nigel Davies captured the spirit of the occasion: “It’s about recognising that when someone has worn the Scarlets jersey, they have contributed to something much bigger than themselves. Whether they played five games or five hundred, represented Wales or simply gave everything they had for the club, they are part of our story.”
He added: “Our heritage isn’t something we should simply look back on with pride. It’s something we have a responsibility to protect, strengthen and build upon.”
On Saturday, many of the people who helped write that history will be back together, cheering on the next generation in Scarlet.