A new dedicated ‘Captains’ Lounge’, former player reunion events, unique player numbers and lasting roll of honour will recognise the generations who have shaped more than 150 years of Scarlets rugby
The Scarlets will officially launch a new former players programme when Newcastle Red Bulls visit Parc y Scarlets for the EPCR Challenge Cup opener on Saturday, October 17, kick-off 8pm.
The launch against Newcastle will carry an added sense of reunion as former Scarlets player and coach Stephen Jones is part of the visitors’ coaching team as the clubs meet for the first time in European competition.
A series of new initiatives to recognise and respect the contribution of the club’s former players will be at the heart of the club’s 2026-27 season. A new Captains’ Lounge will provide a dedicated matchday home where former Scarlets team-mates can reunite, connect and catch-up and recollect the stories behind the scarlet jersey to pass onto a new generation of players and supporters.
Every player who has represented the west Wales region will be recognised through their own unique player number, assigned in order of their first appearance. Each number records an individual’s place in the club’s history and will be presented to former players with a commemorative certificate at home games throughout the 2026-27 season.
To celebrate a new season of past and present connections at Parc y Scarlets, a number of the club’s former players joined together to receive their unique player numbers at the opening game of the season, Scarlets v Cardiff.
Current Director of Rugby Nigel Davies and head coach Dwayne Peel, together with Scarlets colleagues James Davies and Garan Evans and former players Barry Davies, Daf Jones, Roy Bergiers, Derek Quinnell and Scott Quinnell were presented with certificates by Board Director and former Scarlets chairman Huw Evans.
Founded in1872, the club’s history has been written by the people who wore its jersey. It runs from the famous 9-3 victory over the All Blacks at Stradey Park in 1972 through league championship triumphs in 2004 and 2017, a host of quarter and semi-final European campaigns and the move to Parc y Scarlets from Stradey Park.
The contribution from more than 2600 great Scarlets has been felt well beyond the final whistle in any one fixture with former players also returning as coaches, mentors, volunteers and ambassadors, supporting younger generations and keeping the club close to the communities of west Wales. The renewed programme honours that continuing relationship and the connections made across the global Scarlets network as well as respecting achievement on the field.
The first recorded name on the Scarlets former player honours appearing in alphabetical order and by first appearance date is #01 Ben Arthur with the oldest living Scarlet, Charles Lynn (Cowboy) Davies #1127 and oldest living captain of the club in 1962, Marlston Morgan #1112.
Scarlets Heritage Director Rupert Moon said: “When you look back over more than 150 years, you see remarkable victories and remarkable players. But the history of the Scarlets was never made by a handful of names alone. It was built by every person who earned the right to wear the jersey and by those who continued to give their time to the club afterwards.
“A unique number gives each player their own place in that story. It says that their contribution matters, that it is remembered, and that the bond between them and the Scarlets does not end with their last appearance. We are looking forward to a season where we welcome back our former players at a series of special events to connect eras of players as well as bringing together former players with our current squad.”
Roy Bergiers, chairman of Llanelli Scarlets Former Players Association, said: “Those of us who have played for Llanelli and the Scarlets know what it means to pull on that jersey. You remember the teammates beside you, the people who helped you get there and the supporters who stood with you through good days and difficult ones.
“The Captains’ Lounge will give former players a place to come back to and call their own. We hope it brings together people who have not seen one another for years, as well as players from different generations who share that same pride in being a Scarlet. Whatever generation you come from there is a common bond.
“We are grateful to the club for re-energising the former players programme this season and we look forward to many more great shared Scarlets rugby moments on and off the field.”
New honours boards will be unveiled at the club in the former players ‘Captains’ Lounge’ as well as in Lolfa Lounge at Parc y Scarlets which is open to the public.
There will also be a series of special events to bring together eras of former players who are welcome to all Scarlets matches
- Sat, October 17: Scarlets v Newcastle, EPCR Challenge Cup. Launch of former players room.
- Sat December 5: Scarlets v Connacht: Former players from the 1990s
- Sat January 2: Scarlets v Dragons – Former players from the 1970s and earlier
- Sat Jan 9: Scarlets v Lyon – Former players from the 2000s onwards
- Sat March 20: Scarlets v Lions – Former players from the 1980s
- Sat May 8: Scarlets v Ospreys – Reunion (10-year celebration) of the 2017 Guinness Pro12 winning squad.
Any former players wishing to reserve their place at these special events are asked to send their details by email to [email protected]
The Scarlets and Former Players Association extend their heartfelt thanks to retired club historian Les Williams and Helen Davies for their tireless work updating and verifying the records behind a list of more than 2,600 players, with support of club statistician Ian Golden of Sportradar.
The list reflects an extraordinary gift of time, care and knowledge. Les and Helen’s voluntary service and commitment to the club have helped ensure that generations of players can be recognised by name and given their rightful place in the Scarlets’ story. Diolch.
Yma o Hyd.