Scarlets Rugby has confirmed Nigel Davies as the club’s Director of Rugby for the next two seasons with the former Scarlets and Wales player, captain and head coach set to lead the team into an important new chapter.
Davies returned to Parc y Scarlets in January this year on an interim basis and has since led a comprehensive strategic review of the club’s performance rugby operation, laying the foundations for the next phase of its long-term development.
Over the past five months, Davies has developed a clear long-term performance rugby strategy, strengthening the coaching group, reshaping the playing squad and aligning the club’s athletic performance, analysis, medical and player development programmes to create a high-performance environment built for sustained success.
Bringing more than two decades of elite coaching and high-performance leadership, Davies has worked across professional and international rugby coaching while also building extensive experience in global business consultancy, organisational transformation and leadership development.
As Director of Rugby, Davies will have overall responsibility for the Scarlets rugby programme, leading all aspects of performance, coaching, selection and player development.
Davies said accepting the role permanently was both a privilege and a responsibility.
Nigel Davies said: “It is difficult to put into words what this club means to me. 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.”
Scarlets Managing Director Jon Daniels said Davies had already made a significant impact since returning to the club and his strategic review had been fully supported and approved by the Scarlets Board.
He 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.”
Davies will lead the Scarlets into the 2026-27 campaign supported by a strengthened coaching and performance team and a squad that blends experienced international performers with some of the brightest young talent in Welsh rugby.
The squad returned to Parc y Scarlets this week to begin preparations for the new season, with further rugby announcements expected over the coming weeks as the club continues to build towards the 2026-27 campaign.