Scarlets Rugby can confirm that Rugby Performance Director Leigh Jones has left the West Wales club following a restructure of the rugby department.
Jones joined the Scarlets in July 2024, ahead of the 2024-25 season, bringing extensive experience across elite rugby performance environments gained in international rugby with both Japan, Wales and Hong Kong and in the Gallagher Premiership with Leicester Tigers.
Jones has overseen key elements of the rugby performance programme during his time in Llanelli, working closely with Head Coach Dwayne Peel on areas including player development structures, performance systems, analysis and medical and high-performance pathways across the senior and academy environments.
In recent weeks, the Scarlets Board has completed a strategic review of the club’s rugby operations and will now restructure the rugby department to support the senior coaching team and sharpen the senior performance environment and on-field performance. In light of the changes, Jones’s role will not be retained in the new structure.
Scarlets Executive Chairman Simon Muderack said: “We thank Leigh for his professionalism and commitment to our rugby environment over the past 18 months. He has made a valuable contribution to our club and everyone associated with Scarlets would like to thank Leigh for his contribution to the club and wish him, and his family the best for the future.”
Leigh Jones said: “I have enjoyed my time at Parc y Scarlets and working with the Scarlets team during a very dynamic and challenging time for Welsh Rugby. I would like to express my thanks to the players, coaches and staff for their support and friendship over the past 18 months. I wish this great club and its players well for the seasons ahead.”
Scarlets will provide further updates on the new alignment of its rugby department shortly.