Wales international Ryan Elias has been appointed Scarlets vice-captain for the 2026-27 season as part of the leadership group at Parc y Scarlets.
The experienced hooker will support club captain Josh Macleod, with Gareth Anscombe, Sam Costelow, Fletcher Anderson and Archie Hughes completing the senior player leadership group for the new campaign.
Elias is approaching a significant milestone in Scarlet, with his 200th appearance for the club now within touching distance.
The Carmarthen product made his senior debut in 2013 and is now in his 14th campaign at Parc y Scarlets.
A 50-cap Wales international, he was part of the Scarlets squad that lifted the Guinness PRO12 title in 2017 and has previously captained the side.
His appointment follows an outstanding 2025-26 campaign in which he was named the coaches’ player of the season.
Director of Rugby Nigel Davies said: “Ryan was a natural choice as vice-captain.
“He is one of our most experienced and respected players, but what is equally important is the way he goes about things every day.
“He leads through his actions, he understands the standards required at this level and he is prepared to challenge people when those standards aren’t being met.
“Ryan also understands what representing the Scarlets means. He is from Carmarthen, has come through the pathway here and is approaching 200 appearances for the club. That connection and experience carries real weight within the group.
“But leadership doesn’t just sit with a captain and vice-captain. One of the things we want to develop this season is greater ownership from the players themselves, particularly when the game becomes difficult and decisions have to be made on the field.
“That is why we have brought together a leadership group around Josh and Ryan that also includes Gareth Anscombe, Sam Costelow, Fletcher Anderson and Archie Hughes.
“They are at different stages of their careers and bring different qualities and personalities, which is exactly what we want and they will help to drive standards and behaviours.
“Ultimately, from my experience the strongest teams have leadership throughout the group, and that’s what we want to continue building here.”
Elias is set to make his 200th appearance in Saturday’s BKT URC opener against Cardiff.
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