Scarlets are delighted to announce the appointment of highly-rated Eamon O’Carroll as the club’s new defence coach.
O’Carroll joins Scarlets from Super League powerhouse St Helens, where he has built a reputation as one of the brightest young coaches in the professional game.
The 38-year-old former Ireland international brings extensive experience from elite performance environments, having previously held roles as head coach of Bradford Bulls and Newcastle Thunder and assistant coach at Catalans Dragons.
Widely regarded for his expertise in defence, player development and high-performance culture, O’Carroll will become part of Scarlets’ coaching team following the conclusion of the current Super League season, with St Helens firmly in contention for silverware as they pursue their ambitions of reaching the Super League Grand Final.
His role will extend beyond defensive organisation and systems, working closely with players and staff across the entire performance programme to help develop the physical and behavioural standards required to compete at the highest level.
O’Carroll was part of Steve McNamara’s coaching team at Catalans Dragons during one of the club’s most successful eras, when the Perpignan-based side became Challenge Cup winners, League Leaders’ Shield winners and Grand Final contenders.
Scarlets Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies said: “We are absolutely delighted to bring Eamon to Scarlets.
“First and foremost, he is an outstanding coach. He has worked within elite high-performance environments at the top of professional rugby league and has built a stand-out reputation for his energy, attention to detail, work ethic and ability to develop players and drive standards every day.
“What also stood out to us was his character. He is passionate, demanding, highly competitive and has a genuine enthusiasm for helping players improve. He will bring a huge amount of energy to our environment.”
O’Carroll’s appointment represents another significant addition to Scarlets’ evolving rugby programme as the club continues to build a team capable of consistently competing in the United Rugby Championship and EPCR competitions.
Nigel Davies added: “Defence is about far more than systems. It is about attitude, commitment, trust and the willingness to compete for every moment of the game. Eamon brings those qualities in abundance.
“His experience in title-winning elite professional environments has been built around those principles. His teams are known for their work ethic, their physical commitment and their willingness to compete for every moment of the game.
“We want players who are not just fit enough to play rugby but fit enough to dominate the contact area, repeatedly get off the ground, reload and compete. Eamon shares that vision completely. He is a great cultural fit. He understands the importance of creating an environment where people enjoy coming to work, challenge one another and continually strive to improve.
“We want to build a team that reflects the values of this club and our supporters – hard-working, connected, brave and relentlessly competitive. We believe our players and supporters will really connect with what Eamon brings.”
Speaking about his move, O’Carroll said the opportunity to join Scarlets was one he could not ignore.
“The opportunity to join Scarlets was one that really excited me. I’ve always tried to challenge myself throughout my career and step outside my comfort zone because that’s when I feel I do my best work.
“Scarlets is a great club with huge history, strong values and clearly means everything to its supporters and the whole region in West Wales.
“After meeting Nigel, Dwayne and Cubby, I felt a real connection straight away. They care deeply about the club and what they’re trying to build. I was really impressed by their vision for the future and the honesty around where the club is now and where it wants to get to. Culturally, I felt the team at Scarlets are my kind of people, with values that match and I am excited to get started.”
Having already watched extensive Scarlets footage across URC and EPCR, O’Carroll believes there is a strong platform to build upon.
“When I watched Scarlets play, one thing stood out immediately – they compete. That’s really important to me. It’s not about coming in and changing everything. It’s about adding to what is already there, bringing fresh ideas and helping people improve.
“The competitions have a real edge and an exciting challenge – the different styles of rugby, the different cultures, the travel, the South African teams and the physical threat they bring – it’s something that I am really looking forward to being a part of.
“The first thing is that people get to know me as a person. Connection comes before anything else.
“I set high standards and I ask a lot of players, but they need to know that comes from a place of detail, hard work and because I genuinely want to help them improve and help the team be successful together.
“When people know who you are and what you’re about, that’s when you can really start building something special.”
A passionate advocate of player development, O’Carroll is also excited by the opportunities available within the Scarlets’ pathway system.
“The development of young players is a huge passion of mine. I’ve worked with academy and pathway players throughout my coaching career and there’s nothing more rewarding than helping them develop and fulfil their potential.
“The conversations around the academy and the opportunities for young players at Scarlets really excited me. You can see the talent coming through and I can’t wait to be part of that journey.”
During the period before his arrival in early October, O’Carroll will contribute to Scarlets’ pre-season planning and preparation campaign, including visits to Parc y Scarlets ahead of his full-time start following the completion of St Helens’ season.
Everyone at Scarlets would like to welcome Eamon and his family to the club.