Former Scarlets captain Steff Hughes has returned to his club as interim defence coach joining the Scarlets coaching team for the opening months of the 2026-27 season.
A proud product of the Scarlets pathway, Hughes made 104 appearances at centre across nine seasons for his hometown club, leading the side on numerous occasions and earning a reputation for his professionalism, rugby intelligence and reading of the game.
Following the conclusion of his playing career, the 32-year-old has quickly established himself as one of the region’s most promising young coaches. After gaining valuable experience within the Scarlets and Wales age-grade programmes, Hughes continued his coaching development in the United States with Major League Rugby (MLR) side Old Glory DC, progressing from player-coach into attack and backs coach.
He now returns to Parc y Scarlets to support the coaching group during an important phase of the pre-season programme, working closely with Director of Rugby Nigel Davies, Head Coach Dwayne Peel and the wider performance team as the squad prepares for the new campaign.
Hughes will play a key role in supporting the implementation of the club’s defensive programme before new Defence Coach Eamon O’Carroll joins the Scarlets full-time in October following the conclusion of St Helens’ Super League season.
Director of Rugby Nigel Davies believes Hughes’ return represents another positive step in strengthening both the coaching environment and the club’s long-term development.
“We’re delighted to welcome Steff back to the Scarlets. As a player he understood exactly what representing this club meant, and it’s been equally pleasing to watch the way he’s embraced coaching and continued to develop over the last few years.
“He returns having gained valuable experience in different coaching environments and has already made a positive impact in our pre-season programme since coming back in Parc y Scarlets. He has excellent relationships with the players, communicates really well and brings real energy, intelligence and detail to his work.”
Davies explained that Hughes’ appointment is part of a broader coaching strategy designed to ensure continuity and strengthen the environment.
“This is an important period for us as we continue to build our coaching programme. Steff’s understanding of the Scarlets, combined with the experience he’s gained away from the club, means he’s ideally placed to support that process and help ensure a smooth transition over the coming months.
“We’re committed to developing coaches in exactly the same way we develop players. We want talented people to come into our environment, continue learning and add value to the programme, and Steff is another excellent example of that approach.”
Steff Hughes said: “It’s been great to be back at the Parc. This club has always meant a huge amount to me and it’s a privilege to return in a coaching role.
“I’ve really enjoyed my coaching journey so far, from working within the Scarlets and Wales age-grade programmes to the opportunity I had with Old Glory DC in America. Every experience has helped me grow, and I’m excited to bring that back into this environment.
“We’ve got an ambitious group of players and staff, and I’m looking forward to supporting Nigel, Dwayne and the rest of the coaches, helping implement Eamon’s defensive programme and contributing in any way I can as we prepare for the season ahead.”
Hughes joins the Scarlets at an exciting stage of the club’s evolution, with a refreshed coaching group and a squad that blends experienced internationals with some of the most promising young talent in Welsh rugby as preparations continue for the 2026-27 campaign.