“You can see from the reaction of the boys and staff it is a really popular decision”

Rob Lloyd News

The news that Glenn Delaney will be the new Scarlets head coach for the start of the 2020-21 season has been warmly greeted by staff, players and supporters.

After a comprehensive process, which included speaking to a number of high-calibre candidates, Glenn was the man tasked with replacing Brad Mooar when Brad returns to New Zealand to link up with the All Blacks coaching set-up in the summer.

Here, Brad talks about Glenn’s appointment and how continuity is key.

Brad, there has been a really positive reaction to the news that Glenn will be in charge for next season, what are your thoughts on the appointment?

BM: “I am really thrilled for Glenn, Claire and the family and also thrilled for the club and the team.

“It was clear that the board was seeking continuity of what has been started and the boys are enjoying an environment that Glenn has been a massive part of setting up.

“To see him be given the opportunity and now for the support to be put around him is superb.

“You can see the reaction from the boys and staff that it is a really popular decision.”

You must also be delighted to see the fans’ reaction?

BM: “You know how highly I hold our fans. Their support is superb; they are also smart, they can see it is a team effort here and the role Glenn has played, he has obviously connected really well with them.”

How important was it for the decision to be made at this time?

BM: “It is absolutely critical that this was done early. It is a position of strength to be in to make a definitive decision and then get on with it.

“There is a focus that can be put on this year with the security and certainty of what’s happening next year.

“Contracting decisions and squad calls etc going forward are consistent; we run a really collaborative approach to that anyway – coaches have been involved that as a group – so nothing needs to change there.

“As for the perspective of the players’ conversations, it is now really clear that it is business as usual.”

Focusing on the now, how are preparations for Edinburgh?

BM: “It is an exciting window for us. We had two good weeks of break after London Irish and have had a good week of training going into Edinburgh, then the Kings and Munster.

“It has been great to see Tom Phillips, Dan Davis, Tom Prydie and Kieron Fonotia back from injury and James Davies is not far away.

“The medical and conditioning team have done a great job; we have got some great people behind the scenes that do some awesome work and progressed those guys to getting back on the field.”