Nigel Davies named permanent Scarlets director of rugby on two-year deal

Nigel Davies has been appointed Scarlets’ permanent director of rugby on a two-year deal, the Welsh region announced, ending his interim tenure that began in January and runs through to the 2026/27 season.

The former Scarlets player, captain and head coach conducted a wide-ranging review of the rugby department over the past five months before being handed the role on a permanent basis. Managing director Jon Daniels said the board had unanimously backed Davies’ vision, believing the experienced Welshman is the right figure to lead the club into its next chapter.

Davies has already overseen a significant squad rebuild ahead of the new campaign. Wales prop Corey Domachowski, Leinster hooker John McKee, Crusaders forward Cullen Grace, Stormers lock Alex Groves, Bath second-row Harvey Cuckson and Canterbury full-back Isaac Murray-MacGregor have all arrived at Parc y Scarlets this summer.

Alongside reshaping the playing group, Davies has strengthened the coaching staff and implemented a long-term performance strategy spanning coaching, medical, analysis and player development — with the club targeting a high-performance environment capable of sustained success.

“It is difficult to put into words what this club means to me,” Davies said. “Scarlets has been a huge part of my life for more than 40 years and to be given the opportunity to lead the rugby programme at such an important time in the club’s history is something I am enormously proud and honoured to do.”

Davies acknowledged the scale of the task ahead while expressing confidence in the foundations now in place. “We understand the challenges ahead and the expectations that come with representing this club. But I genuinely believe we now have a group of players, coaches and staff who are committed to building something our supporters can believe in and be proud of.”

He also pointed to Parc y Scarlets as a key asset, describing it as one of the finest club rugby facilities in the UK and a platform to create an environment where players and staff can thrive.